Chicago sub shop apologizes for firing employees two days before Christmas

A Chicago sandwich shop is apologizing after it fired nearly 20 workers via email just days before Christmas.

“It was insensitive and poorly planned,” Snarf’s owner and CEO Jim Seidel said of the firings. “We recognize now we acted rashly. For this, we apologize to our employees and to our loyal customers who we know we’ve disappointed.”

Workers at Snarf's sub shop received an email on Sunday informing them that they were terminated as of Monday so that the store could be renovated and changed into something new.

"Two days before Christmas -- it's absolutely ridiculous," said Kevin Brown, who worked at the shop for three years.

Seidel insists the firings had nothing to do with the recent one-day demonstration in which restaurant workers demanded higher wages. Snarf's officials said that the 18 employees can apply for jobs at the new restaurant when it opens. The company also plans on offering the former workers a week’s wages.

According to Seidel, poor business at the sub shop prompted the company’s decision to close the location and “reconcept” it.

[CBS Chicago]