On 2/6/25, between 0800 & 0830, my family and I walked into McDonald’s #21666 on W Broad St in Richmond VA. As soon as we got to our table, and began to get situated, an employee named Lamont came out and said, “If you are not buying anything, you have to leave”. We were still in process of getting organized so we could. He made sure he pointed out the sign stating, NO LOITERING 30 MINUTE LIMIT. I do understand the reasoning behind the sign, but neither I nor my family appreciated his attitude or his choice of words. As I went into the bathroom, he had words with my daughter and threatened to put us out. Even though we are unhoused at this time, it does not give him the right to be disrespectful to anyone who comes into that establishment. It is my feeling that in a situation like that, the shift manager should have come out. Please understand, it was myself, my husband, my son and daughter, and my husband’s service dog. All we wanted to do was eat, and go about our day.
I will say this…we will NOT be going back to that or any other McDonald’s to eat until the staff is taught to treat all patrons with respect.
I do hope this email will spark a change where those of us who choose to patronize McDonald’s can do so without being made to feel as if we are unwelcomed and not good enough.
I also feel this situation demands immediate attention.
Melba Tatum-Lipscomb
804-573-4344
