$4M Lawsuit On The Table: Black Truckers Say Denny’s Waitress Refused Service, Then Called Police

Two Black truck drivers have initiated a federal lawsuit, alleging harassment and denial of service at a Denny's in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, seeking $4 million in damages each. Damon Whitfield and Hector Madera, long-haul truckers from Pennsylvania, stopped at a Pilot Flying J gas station on August 13, 2023, intending to eat before continuing their journey. While Madera showered, Whitfield entered Denny’s to order breakfast and was served orange juice by a waitress named Anne Fletcher. However, after waiting an extended period, the men flagged her down, prompting a dismissive response that escalated tensions. Allegedly, Fletcher remarked, “I don’t need you people calling me," and refused to serve them, ultimately calling the police. The officers found no grounds for action against the men after discussions. Subsequent public apologies from Denny's leadership highlighted a commitment to inclusivity and the firing of Fletcher following a thorough investigation into the incident, which they deemed unacceptable. (Photos: Dakota News Now screenshot, Sioux Falls, SD Denny’s Google.com user review)