Dennis Peek, 51, has Down syndrome and has worked at a local Wendy’s for more than 20 years. He was recently fired from his job working at the North Carolina restaurant, but the internet got involved and changed Wendy’s plans.
On Wednesday, Peek’s sister, Cona Young Turner declared publicly that he was fired from his job. She was furious that her brother was fired and called out Wendy’s franchise.
Turner wrote on Facebook, “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 said. “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 13,000 shares and over 5,000 comments. The story was covered by local news agencies and it soon made it to a national platform.
The management at Wendy’s store quickly reversed their decision and offered to rehire 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 WBTV, “We are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for our employees and our customers,” the Carolina Restaurant Group stated. “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.”
