VENICE, Fla. -- A 73-year old veteran says he was fired from the Cracker Barrel restaurant in Venice for giving someone who looked in a need a few condiment packets and a corn muffin.

 

Was it against the restaurant's rules, or is it the right thing to do? It's a debate that is already catching fire online.

For the past three plus years, Joe Koblenzer has put on his brown and yellow Cracker Barrel apron and greeted those who come in to the Venice location. “It's a fun job; a job really suited to me."

He says that two weeks ago, a man who looked like he might be homeless came through the doors. "He looked a little needy. He asked if I had any mayonnaise and some tartar sauce. He said he was going to cook a fish."

The man whose job it is to be friendly obliged. "I got it for him. As I walked out I put a corn muffin in."

That gesture apparently cost Joe his job. "The General Manager called me in and said he had some bad news for me. Joe we are going to have to let you go."

 

Venice veteran says he lost job after giving muffin to needy person - Sarasota News | Mysuncoast.com and ABC 7: Local News

Also from the link:

 

He admits he's been written up before; two years ago for getting a fountain drink on the job and a second time for giving a cup of coffee to woman. He claims she actually paid for it.

 

And Cracker Barrel's response:

 

“Mr. Koblenzer has worked as a host at Cracker Barrel’s Sarasota store since April 2011. During the time he was employed, he violated the Company’s policies regarding consuming food without paying or giving away free food, on five separate occasions. Mr. Koblenzer received multiple counselings and written warnings reminding him about the company’s polices and the consequences associated with violating them. On the fifth occasion, again per Company policy, Mr. Koblenzer was terminated.

Cracker Barrel is grateful for and honors Mr. Koblenzer’s service to our country as we honor all service men and women and their families.”

Is Cracker Barrel right or wrong?

Based just on what you posted I am with Cracker Barrel.

I think they're in the right.

 

I know it's harsh, and it's not a big deal (monetarily), but you can't repeatedly steal from your employer and not expect consequences.

The knee jerk reaction is that they are wrong. However, how many rules violations does one get before having to accept consequences. The fact that's a vet is good for the story but completely irrelevant.

 

Would I have canned him? Probably not. I'd have turned my head. Some "violations" simply aren't worth the hassle.

 

Joe seems like a good man.

I agree with Cracker Barrel, the thing to do would have been to ask the manager or simply buy it himself and give it to the guy.

Disagree Clyde.

 

If Joe was a good man, he'd pay the $1.50 or whatever it is for the muffin and then give it to the person. Good people don't continue to steal what's not theirs, after multiple violations and warnings.

Disagree Clyde.

 

If Joe was a good man, he'd pay the $1.50 or whatever it is for the muffin and then give it to the person. Good people don't continue to steal what's not theirs, after multiple violations and warnings.

 

I'm not labeling the guy as a bad guy simply because he gave away a muffin and got a fountain drink. Are you a bad guy for always speeding on the interstate?

As much as my mother-in-law spends on 1950's toys from their general store they can afford for Joe to give a muffin or two away.

 

Seems weak. Not saying they are wrong. They have the right to fire him. But it's not a mom and pop place.

I'm not labeling the guy as a bad guy simply because he gave away a muffin and got a fountain drink. Are you a bad guy for always speeding on the interstate?

 

You're under the impression that I speed.

I'm not labeling the guy as a bad guy simply because he gave away a muffin and got a fountain drink. Are you a bad guy for always speeding on the interstate?

 

Not a fair analogy.

 

Theft is theft.

 

I didn't read the article but does Joe spend his own time and money helping the homeless/less fortunate in his off time?

You're under the impression that I speed.

 

I am. Do you ever go above the speed limit?

Not a fair analogy.

 

Theft is theft.

 

I didn't read the article but does Joe spend his own time and money helping the homeless/less fortunate in his off time?

 

It's not a bad analogy. The purpose of it is to show the problem with absolute labeling. Just like there are ranges of speeding there are ranges of stealing. This level of stealing (a fountain drink and a muffin that combined might cost CB 27 pennies) is the same as saying UKMF is a "constant lawbreaker" because he drives 57 in a 55 on a regular basis.

I am. Do you ever go above the speed limit?

 

Not typically. I used to. Got a couple of violations in a short period of time, and then got a letter from my insurance company saying I was one misstep away from being dropped. That was going on 4 years ago. Driving habits have changed considerably due to that. Unlike Joe here, I got the violations and warnings and changed my behavior to avoid the negative consequences. Joe ignored them, he deserves what he got.