FILE - In a Thursday, May 29, 2014 file photo, singer Aretha Franklin looks up while seated on stage during Harvard University commencement ceremonies, in Cambridge, Mass., where she was presented with an honorary Doctor of Arts degree. Franklin has some harsh words for a New York server at a at a Johnny Rockets restaurant in Lewiston near Buffalo who told the Queen of Soul she wasn’t allowed to eat her takeout inside the restaurant. A spokesman for Franklin says on Tuesday, July 22, Franklin ordered a hamburger after performing a sold-out show. But he says the server screamed at Franklin, saying she couldn’t sit down to eat because she had ordered takeout. A Johnny Rockets spokeswoman says the franchise owner is sorry for the actions of “a new and very young employee.” (AP Photo/Steven Senne, File)
Republished July 26, 2014 - 10:39 AM
Original Publication Date July 26, 2014 - 7:00 AM
NIAGARA FALLS, Ont. - Aretha Franklin has some harsh words for a server who showed D-I-S-R-E-S-P-E-C-T by telling the Queen of Soul she wasn't allowed to eat her takeout inside the restaurant.
A spokesman for Franklin says the situation unfolded Tuesday at a Johnny Rockets restaurant on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls.
The spokesman says Franklin ordered a hamburger after performing a sold-out show. But he says the server screamed at Franklin, saying she couldn't sit down to eat because she had ordered takeout.
Franklin says in a statement that the restaurant worker was "very rude, unprofessional and nasty."
A Johnny Rockets spokeswoman says the franchise owner is sorry for the actions of "a new and very young employee."
She says the owner has spoken with the employee and has clarified his takeout policies.
News from © The Associated Press, 2014