Blake Hall
Some take it as gospel. Others say it’s fabricated — made up to swindle some online sympathy. Either way, the post on Facebook that accused an Alabama Pizza Hut of denying a veteran a military discount went viral, and now internet bystanders are faced with sorting out the truth from the fiction.
Caleb Lee, the chain restaurant goer who claims he asked for a military discount during a recent patronage and, when he didn’t see it on his receipt was (as he put it) cursed at by a “corporate manager” and asked to leave the establishment, has since removed both his viral Facebook post detailing the alleged incident as well as his username completely. But that hasn’t stopped the pizza place from blasting their proverbial fire extinguisher all over the fiery tale in hopes the bad and dubious PR doesn’t cost them their franchise.
Basically they’re saying Lee’s description of the event is entirely false.
Their stance: after a thorough investigation conducted by themselves — based on surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts — the viral account of hostility and denial simply doesn’t seem to be based in reality.
After viewing their tapes they say (which they say they can’t release because it would violate a longstanding corporate policy) Lee does ask for a discount but then leaves the premises without speaking or interacting with any employee.
Here’s the pizza joint’s statement, in full:
We want to thank everyone for your concerns with the situation that has been made up on Facebook. We have had a thorough investigation about the matter and have reviewed all video surveillance footage of the day the individual claims it occurred. Caleb Lee is in fact a customer of ours and did come in and have buffet with us on Jan 12th between 1-2pm. When Mr Lee finished enjoying his meal he paid for his meal, at which time, he did ask if we gave a military discount. His server and the store manager explained we did not offer a discount. Mr Lee paid for his meal and exited the facility. Mr Lee was never approached by any other person during his visit with us. It is very unfortunate that he felt the need to fabricate a story and post it to social media. We have tried to contact Mr. Lee, but we are unable to as he has removed himself from all social media. As anyone could guess, this has had a very negative impact on our business and reputation. As a Pizza Hut Franchise, we have been serving our communities, here in Huntsville, AL, since 1967. We have always had the utmost respect for all customers, including all uniformed professions, be it Military, Law Enforcement, Firefighters or Responders. Any actions like what was stated would have resulted in immediate termination of any employee no matter the position they hold. We will continue as always to serve our guests with the utmost respect today and in the future.
More from WAFF in Alabama:
WAFF 48 News reached out to that particular store to confirm that their statement was authentic. Managers confirmed it was released by that franchise location at 4802 University Dr.
As a franchise, managers have never had a need to create a Facebook page specific to that location. On Sunday, they created a page just to release their response and clear the air. That Facebook page is no longer available.
WAFF 48 has asked for an interview with the franchise and the surveillance video. However, they say because of corporate rules, they have to get explicit permission from their headquarters to be interviewed by local media. That process is underway.
No word on whether or not Pizza Hut is considering changing their discount policy and offering ones similar to the one Lee requested.
“It’s hard enough already to have people support veteran things anyway because there’s so many fake groups, fake people, people claiming service related awards that they didn’t have,” Ty Oswald, Alabama veteran and founder of Bearded Warriors, told WHNT19 News.
“If it’s offered sure take it, but it’s not something that everybody should go out seeking to get from a business just because you served. That’s not why we all raised our right hand.”
This is a screenshot of the original post published by Lee:
