06/15/2020
As the owner operator of Rice Bowl Restaurant, I’d like to clarify a few antecedent facts that were not considered prior to the haste of Ms. Hager’s post. While I admire Ms. Hager’s passion for social justice I am confused as to why she didn’t take the opportunity to ask what happened before the attempt to slander the business that I have cultivated for the past 13 years - albeit in one of Winnipeg’s most culturally diverse communities. It seems that YOU, Ms Hager, saw colour and “worn out clothes and shoes” FIRST and made the ASSUMPTION that this was the sole reason the patron was refused service.
Contrary to what is now alarmingly becoming popular belief thanks to your accusatory post , I did in fact “see” this “human” (your words, not mine) and have not refused him service before yesterday’s incident. In fact, he has patronized my establishment numerous times without issue. I have given him extra food without charge. I have given him meals despite the fact that he doesn’t have enough money to cover his tab.
Yesterday he patronized Rice Bowl Restaurant in excess of 5 times. As with each encounter his behaviour became more erratic. He became belligerent when we REFUSED to give him water in a Tim Horton’s cup - Covid 19 regulations, INSTEAD, we gave him water in a dining room glass. He IGNORED a server’s pleas to not use the hand sanitizer on his face, clothing and body. He failed to consider other patron’s requests to maintain a social distance of 2 meters away when he attempted to sit with them and engage in unsolicited conversation. We then refused him service at this point and said that if his behaviour continued we would have to call for police intervention and support and suggested he come back at another time . I imagine, this is what you caught wind of – when you saw us refusing his money/erratic behaviour and denying him service. Ironically, what you failed to report on your post is that HE did COME BACK. Calmer, and reasonable in his demeanor this time - we DID IN FACT SERVE HIM.
As he is somewhat of a regular customer at our establishment, I do believe we will see him again. Most likely on Tuesday. I extend an invitation to you, Courtney Hager, in our dining room when he is present and you can certainly chat with him about his past encounters, interactions and experiences. In fact, I will make it a point for our employees to take special note for when he does come in and certainly be willing to host a meal for the two of you to share on me! Please feel free to reach out to me at 204 779-2777 and we can gladly set something up. Looking forward to clarifying any misunderstanding or injustice you ASSUMED took place.
Signed,
Harry, owner operator of Rice Bowl Restaurant
