Jennifer R.
Yelp
Who doesn't love fletchers? I always have! I grew up in MN and looked forward to every summer coming out to the lake and spending awesome days at this amazing establishment!! I seriously love this place.
I had a horrifying experience this summer and this should have NEVER happened. I was harassed and bullied by some awful manager named Alex w/a vendetta to kick me out b/c I had a 10lbs service animal (dog) w/me. I'd give this place 10 out of 5 stars if I could, until I was singled out and so deeply discriminated against. Who picks on another human being for having a disability? Insane.
I was kicked out of fletchers old lake lodge in Spring Park, MN 8/25/23 just 30 min after arriving, I explained that she is a service animal, not a dog. To which the manager Alex said, "that's just silly!" He asked what service does she provide? To which i said, "she is medically trained to assist me with my needs for medical purposes to better my life"
To which he stated, "you need to leave now! In fact, I'm getting a cop to throw you out!"
I said, "The cops? Really? A tad excessive, don't you think, Alex? You sound crazy. What is your problem? I told you she's a service animal, now leave me alone. You even have a damn sign outside stating they are allowed."
The cop came over and was nice to me. I told him i don't know what more he's looking for me to say, as i already told 2 managers now that she's a service animal trained to assist me for my medical purposes, then showed him on the minnesota state government ADA website the legal requirements.
ADA FEDERAL LAW & MN STATE LAW
You cannot ask what medical condition I have
You are not required to have documentation
The animal does NOT need to wear a vest
Verbal explanation is all that is required
The cop went back over to the manager and tried to deescalate the situation. Then the manger again asked me AGAIN the same bs questions. What service does she provide?
I said I already told you! She is trained to assist me with my disability for medical purposes. What more do you want? You cannot ask me any further questions and this is harassment! You're forcing me to tell you and announce to everyone in this establishment that I have ********(medical condition) and she alerts me when it's medically necessary? This is so messed!
Alex said, well, you didn't say that before.
I said, "yeah, because I don't have to. I don't have to tell you about the traumatic auto accident I was in, leaving me with permanent hearing loss. I don't have to tell you about how traumatized i was from it, or all the other horrible medical complications and other disabilities I've had to suffer through because of this terrible accident! I was nearly killed!! Now you've violated my civil rights, and I have to deal with this abusive treatment? This is bull!
All I wanted was to attend my friends birthday party and you are acting like such a jerk! I could call my lawyer right now and sue! You can't ask these personal questions! You don't know the law!
You are a total bully! No owner would ever treat a patron like this. I grew up loving this place! What is the matter with you? Never have had a single issue here, ever, in the 25+ years I've been coming here. Until you Alex, up on some high horse on some "manager" power trip vendetta, how can you think it's okay to treat a human being like this?"
To which the manager Alex looks at the cop and said, "kick her out! You were welcome, but now you and your dog have to leave!"
The cop just said to me, "now I have to ask you to leave. This is private property and they don't need a reason to ask you to go. I know you're upset, but that law, I do know. They can ask you to leave for any reason. I'm sorry I don't know specifics on service animals or the ADA."
I just started crying. This whole situation was so terrible and traumatizing.
I said, "Even if it's infringing on my rights with the ADA? We will just see about that!" I said. "call the owner, I highly doubt they want to go down this road. I spent 2 hours getting ready, I drove all the way out here (30 minutes 1 way) to celebrate my friends birthday and I just walked in, I've had 1 drink, minding my own business and you're kicking me out for no reason? For having a disability?! On what grounds?! This is lunacy!"
Manager Alex shouts, "You and your dog are not welcome. Leave!"
None of this is okay. So with that, I was forced to leave. They refused to call the owners. I'm still horrified and disgusted by the way I was treated last night.
Seriously, what did they gain from this? Alex causing such drama in the middle of the patio. And for what?
Whitney was in my purse, not making a sound. I just had ordered a second drink, which I had to leave on the bar. I spend money here year after year. So many memories.
I am sure the owners are as horrified reading this, as I was experiencing this traumatizing nightmare, first hand. Devastating as this was my favorite place, too.