Dennis Peek, 51, has Down syndrome and has faithfully worked at his local Wendy’s for over 20 years. However, he was recently fired from his job because he “was unable to perform the duties of a normal person’s job.”
Peek’s sister, Cona Young Turner posted on Facebook telling of her brother’s treatment and people from all over became outraged which led Wendy’s to reverse their plan.
On Wednesday, Peek’s sister was furious that her brother was fired and called out Wendy’s franchise on Facebook saying, “My brother Dennis has worked at Wendy’s in Stanley for over 20 years and I am heartbroken to say they have fired him!”
“His dream was to retire from there someday and he was looking forward to a huge retirement party,” she continued. “We may just give him that party and tell him he has retired because he does not understand being fired!”
The sister alleged that the management at Wendy’s location told her that Dennis “was unable to perform the duties of a normal person’s job.”
“I am very disappointed with the management at Wendy’s in Stanley,” she continued. “They have no idea how they hurt my brother!”
The Facebook post went viral, getting more than 14,000 shares and over 5,000 comments. Peek’s plight was also covered by local news agencies and soon his story made national news.
The management at Wendy’s store reversed their decision and offered the position back to Dennis.
Turner said, “They have offered Dennis his job back starting next week. My heart is overwhelmed by the support that you all have given my brother and myself! Thank you all so much!”
The Carolina Restaurant Group, which owns Wendy’s, stated to WBTV, “We are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for our employees and our customers. This was an unfortunate mistake and lapse in protocol; we are in touch with the employee’s family, and we are looking forward to welcoming him back to work in the restaurant.”
