Condado Tacos Faces Backlash as Workers Walk Out Over Police Taco Order | Eater

"A suburban Columbus restaurant became the center of controversy after social media posts alleged staff were forced to fill a large law-enforcement catering order (reports vary: a widely shared screenshot referenced 250 “Bud Boxes” for the police, while an employee described a last‑minute 500‑taco order placed and paid for by the Ohio Highway Patrol). Several workers walked out in protest of making food for police during nationwide demonstrations against police brutality; some social posts claimed employees were fired, while company representatives and internal messages dispute that and say employees were given the option not to work the order and would not be terminated. One employee involved in the walkout says a district manager initially told staff they were fired and later characterized their departure as quitting, and provided screenshots of internal communications in which corporate reiterates that teams “cannot pick and choose who they will serve.” The incident sparked calls for boycotts, a flood of negative online reviews and critical comments on location pages, and prompted staff at other nearby branches to organize demonstrations; employees and customers say the episode has damaged trust in upper management despite wider reports that many locations had been supportive of staff participating in protests (offering time off, bail and mental health resources). The company says it has donated to charity following the incident but has not disclosed details, and conversations between staff and leadership — including an expected call with the CEO — are ongoing." - Brenna Houck