Eric K.
Yelp
Middle Finger Incident - Harris Crab House
On 24 Oct 2023, I was with my Friend at Harris Crab House (HCH) minding our business & waiting to eat a Dozen of Medium Crabs. The Caucasian female in the picture is a person trying to set up my friend by using her phone to take pictures/videos of us for no reason. I took a picture & video of the person giving us the Middle Finger. We didn't even hold a conversation with her at all. This female went to the Manager that evening telling lies about us, then when we showed that manager the picture & video we thought the issue ended but it didn't at all.
On 25 Oct 2023, we went back to the same establishment to talk to the General Manager, but just found out this person, Mr. William (Bill) Oertel, is the President and Owner; we stated to him about the incident that happened almost 24 hours prior. I provided him with the photo & video of the female giving us the Middle Finger. Mr, Oertel, stated that this was unacceptable & his business doesn't tolerate discrimination. I asked Mr. Oertel to find out what was exactly said the previous evening when we went to HCH. He stated, "I'll get back to you within 24 Hours."
We did eat the Dozen Medium Crabs at HCH that evening of 25 Oct 2023 but the vibe of the atmosphere seemed off & it just didn't feel right at all.
Mr. Oertel was on the phone outside behind the shed away from HCH after he saw both the picture & video of the Caucasian female giving us the Middle Finger & he seemed to be a little bit upset that we had evidence to back up our facts & on the evening of 25 Oct 2023, he didn't even ask us how we're doing or did we need anything at all.
Today, 28 Oct 2023, almost 72 hours passed & this was the following text conversation that took place early between me & Mr. Oertel:
Good Morning,
I asked you a question on Wednesday with the exact statement that person told the Female Manager the Evening prior on 24 October 2023. (Me)
I need a status by this Evening. (Me)
Sir. I'm not sure why you have this tone with me. I don't appreciate it. I have no schedule that I have to keep with you. I have spoken to several people there that night. They have said that both parties involved had interactions with the other. I don't need to give you the exact statement of anyone. When customers have disagreements with other customers and we are informed at the time of the incident, we separate them if possible and ask both groups to not return if they can't conduct themselves with normal behavior. This has only happened a handful of times in our 40 years. This incident was reported only at the end of the event. We couldn't intervene, but we still requested that both groups not return if they can not conduct themselves reasonably. There was not decision made that was based on anyone's appearance like you had suggested several times to me. Like I explained to you when we talked face to face, no one at our restaurant cares what people look like. We treat everyone the same. I am sorry for your experience. The employees said that this was a 2 sided event. We have asked both parties involved to not return unless they can exhibit good behavior to other customers. I wish you and your companion well. (Mr. Bill Oertel)
My tone wasn't bad & it was not bad @ all, all I asked was the exact false statement that's all (Me)
What is your issue? (Me)
You stated on Wednesday that you were going to let me know what was said within 24 Hours & all I was asking was for clarification of the status (Me)
First, in summary, there wasn't any interaction between us & the person giving us the Middle Finger.
Next, If there was any incident during the time we were there, why didn't the night Female Manager come to us to discuss what was said at that moment while we were eating Crabs instead of waiting until we were almost at my vehicle to discuss the incident & she (Night Manager) saw both the Picture & Video as well?
Meanwhile, there wasn't ANY employee who stated &/or said that we had an argument/disagreement/or anything towards that person of that nature.
Therefore; we weren't told anything about NOT ever coming back to HCH again because that NEVER happened at all.
Nevertheless, this seemed like a "Racial overtone" from the President/Owner Mr. Bill Oertel because he will not receive the EXTRA funding from the FAKE Private Investigators (PIs) trying to intimidate my friend.
Thus, from the statement (text replied) by Mr. Oertel, this is a "Racial tone" period because he doesn't want us to come back to HCH anymore due to him being called out for not providing me with the information that I inquired earlier today because it was close to 72 hours from that incident of that person giving us the Middle Finger.
Lastly, because we're BLACK and showed evidence that we didn't do anything at all that evening of 24 Oct 2023, the President/Owner of the establishment requested that we don't ever come back there again so we are going to NOT come back there EVER again.