VENICE, Fla., June 27 (UPI) -- A Vietnam veteran claims he was fired from a Florida Cracker Barrel for giving a homeless man some condiment packets and corn muffin.
Joe Koblenzer says he was let go from his host position at the Cracker Barrel restaurant in Venice after he gave the food items to a man who looked like he needed help.
"He looked a little needy. He asked if I had any mayonnaise and some tarter sauce. He said he was going to cook a fish," Koblenzer told WWSB. "I got it for him. As I walked out I put a corn muffin in."
After his general manager found out, Koblenzer was fired.
"It's a rule. They legally can do this because I did break the rule. I completely forgot about it," Koblenzer said. "I am a host at Cracker Barrel with a little above minimum wage job."
The 73-year-old is now looking for another job to help supplement his Social Security.
A Cracker Barrel spokesperson released the following statement about the situation:
"Mr. Koblenzer has worked as a host at Cracker Barrel's Sarasota store since April 2011. During the time he was employed, he violated the Company's policies regarding consuming food without paying or giving away free food, on five separate occasions. Mr. Koblenzer received multiple counselings and written warnings reminding him about the company's polices and the consequences associated with violating them. On the fifth occasion, again per Company policy, Mr. Koblenzer was terminated. Cracker Barrel is grateful for and honors Mr. Koblenzer's service to our country as we honor all service men and women and their families."
