Tanya G.
Google
✨This is an open letter to the co-owner of B.O. s Fish Wagon ->
Dear Jan,
I traveled to Key West during the holiday week with my daughter and 22 year old niece. The joy of holiday travel comes from breaking routine for new experiences, strengthening bonds with loved ones, and creating lasting memories through culture immersion. We are Florida residents and wanted a getaway from daily stresses.
While visiting Key West we were excited when we stumbled upon your restaurant and heard your backstory of how you acquired the restaurant. We overlooked the roach and the chaotic atmosphere/energy of the business. Even though we were the first ones in line, it took quite a while to receive our food and the order was incorrect.
However I drew a line in the chaos when you began yelling racial slurs at the young black employee working for you. I was appalled and deeply offended when we (and other patrons in the restaurant) overheard you chastising him in such manner.
Jan, for goodness sake, please reconsider your use of the term “nigger” (the N-word). The N-word has been established to be derogatory, degrading, dehumanizing and is one of the most offensive words in history. The stigma of this word embodies and invokes painful memories and inhumane ill-will; and countless individuals have lost their lives due to the beliefs perpetuated by the use of this word.
Not only was I at a loss for words while dining in your establishment, I lost my appetite. To hear you boldly and blatantly blast this employee did not sit well with us. In addition to calling him the N-word, you called him the “scum of the earth.”
Jan, never have I ever. I am truly disgusted and deeply disturbed by your behavior and words. Not only will I never bring my hard earned money to your establishment, I hope no other individual of African American descent patronizes it either. If you have that much hostility and lack self-control and compassion please consider retiring. And for goodness sake, invest in getting yourself some REAL help/therapy. Racial sensitivity training aims to show how words and actions might impact someone of a different race, gender, or anyone different from them.
Respectfully submitted,
Tanya Foster