"Facing financial losses after its founder publicly blamed protesting NFL players for poor earnings, the company is attempting to repair its image by mandating diversity training for employees. CEO Steve Ritchie announced in an open letter that diversity, equity, and inclusion are top priorities and emphasized commitments to equity, fairness, respect, and opportunity. Critics view the move as primarily a PR effort—especially since the company isn’t closing stores to focus on training—and note that the founder remains the largest reputational liability, having launched a website to rally franchisees and staff while clashing publicly with the board." - Daniela Galarza