Waiter Refuses to Serve Elderly Black Woman, Stunned When Her Son Reveals Who She Is

[@Lorna8264]

She didn't need to be his mother to be treated better

[@sandreawhite7534]

Absolutely correct.

[@StoriesBestTalesHT]

"Thank you for your thoughts! How do the characters’ experiences in the story mirror the struggles faced by marginalized communities in real life? What lessons do you think we can learn from their journey?"

[@ianhow100]

I agree, how are these people working in public service

[@JoyceShannon-et3qf]

I would have spoken up about the way she was being treated. It make me so angry when someone is treated different because of the color of their skin or for any other reason.

[@terereynolds698]

My grandparents taught my younger brother and I skin color doesn't matter, at the end of the day, we all bleed red.

[@alicecoleman4898]

@@terereynolds698Hallelujah & Amen

[@terereynolds698]

@@alicecoleman4898 Our grandparents taught us well, when they were growing up they faced racism a lot, we're Native American. In the 60's and 70's things slowly started changing, we were more accepted.

[@alicecoleman4898]

@ I can tell because your words are POWERFUL & as an Elder myself I see the Branch doesn’t fall far from the Tree!!!🙏🏿🌹

[@terereynolds698]

@@alicecoleman4898 A'Ho (Amen)

[@donnaquarles5219]

This happens only too often and we forget to speak up but when we do ŵe should try and do it with the same grace and dignity ,humble power and integrity.

[@suegreenough8522]

The manager should have picked up on that herself quickly.

[@Debra-f3l]

We found out who had real CLASS, Mrs. Holloway!

[@Shiningyears]

Elijah's decision to observe the situation before intervening is brilliant. It allowed Todd's prejudice to fully reveal itself, making the confrontation even more impactful. Sometimes, silence can be more powerful than words, especially when it exposes injustice and forces people to confront their own biases

[@mylovestory-99]

This story is a powerful reminder not to judge others by appearance. The twist was heartwarming and inspiring-what an unforgettable message! 🙌❤

[@Stories_82]

An incredibly powerful moment of grace and integrity, showing how a mother’s quiet dignity and her son’s unwavering stand for respect brought about real change. A perfect reminder of the importance of standing up for what’s right.

[@StoriesUntold1-365]

Mrs. Holloway’s grace and Elijah’s unwavering leadership are a powerful reminder that respect should never be optional. This story isn’t just about what happened-it’s about how we respond to subtle injustices and create spaces where everyone feels valued. Elijah’s quiet yet firm stand against Todd’s behavior showed the importance of leadership rooted in integrity. Let this serve as a wake-up call to all of us to be mindful of how we treat others and to step up when we witness unfairness. Thank you for sharing such a profound and inspiring story!

[@catherinesmith6308]

Everyone matters or no-one matters!!!

[@melindagreen3048]

AMEN

[@StoriesBestTalesHT]

"We truly appreciate your perspective! Do you think the conclusion of the story offers a hopeful message about achieving fairness, or does it leave us questioning how to overcome racial bias and inequality?"

[@StorytimewithAlexander]

The message is clear: kindness and respect should never be optional. Mrs. Holloway’s grace and Elijah’s unwavering integrity leave a lasting impression on the characters in the story and everyone watching. Thank you for creating such meaningful content that inspires reflection and change. Bravo!

[@storylens479]

Your on-screen energy is so captivating and keeps your audience engaged throughout.

[@Braveechoes39]

"Absolutely agree! Her beauty radiates so naturally, and it’s not just about appearance-it feels like there’s a story of strength and grace behind that smile. Truly stunning! 🌟"

[@roxie_the_rockmonster4892]

Many years ago, I was in an interview, and an older man was sweeping up the office, taking out the trash. I got the job. The next day, I was in the restaurant working, and the older man came in and grabbed a cup of coffee. I joked with him for a couple of minutes. After he left, another server walked up to me and asked if I knew who that was. I said I think he's the janitor at the main office. She laughed and said that was the owner. He owned half the businesses on the island. Whenever he came back to the restaurant, he would always come find me to joke around. His granddaughter came to me later and told me he adored me for always treating him like he was just a regular guy!

[@davidholly42]

We need stories told like this because this happens on a regular basis and people do not speak up . If we want change we need to be the example!! Everyday we need to be the example of kindness, respect, and grace. It starts with each and everyone of us. I am not afraid to speak up!!

[@sheilat3469]

This does not happen every day that’s the problem you point out one incident and blow it up nobody talks about all the black on black crime and all the death caused a Black people by other Black people that’s what needs to be talked about. We need to stop the crime.

[@cjenngo]

The woman in the picture here is BEAUTIFUL!

[@Nwladylaura369]

Grace and strength!

[@meisie1084]

True hey

[@PricelessLessons]

Wow, what a powerful reminder that appearances can be deceiving. That elderly woman deserved respect from the start, and her son’s reveal must have been unforgettable!

[@tishia2095]

I hope my white comes in so beautifully

[@PricelessLessons]

This story gave me chills! The waiter’s reaction must have been priceless when the truth came out. Always treat people with kindness-you never know their story or who they are!

[@Nwladylaura369]

I was at a private fundraiser dinner and my friend's husband used a derogatory slur! I was surprised and let him know it was unacceptable. A year later at another event, I could tell he remembered I corrected him. Hopefully he will not speak like that again.

[@phylliswilliams8277]

I am so sorry this happened & there is no excuse for it!!

[@jenniferward2012]

I LOVE Mrs. Holloway's composure!!🥴 I cried 😓

[@storytime1207-k5l]

This waiter needs to be fired immediately.

[@minalevinneugass1196]

In real life, yes, he should have been fired immediately. You realize this is a fictional story. You realize this is a fictional story

[@Daniel.Stories-beststories]

A poignant tale of dignity and prejudice in a fancy restaurant. Mrs. Holloway's quiet strength exposes a harsh truth, leading to a lesson in respect no one will forget.

[@ClaireHawaii]

My husband and I are Asians, born and raised in the United States. My father was a veteran of WWII in the U.S. Army. We went to a popular food chain. I won’t mention the name. Everyone was being served but we waited. I joked and asked my husband if we were invisible. I also joked and said there goes their tip. I asked for more water. He never came back. Well we ate and left a tip, although I wouldnt have, but my husband did. We’re never going back again .

[@flea10x6]

Unfortunately, not that uncommon. Even worse at Home Depot looking for any assistance as a short Asian woman.

[@joycemanieri2304]

Prejudice once again, rears its ugly head

[@roz7575]

Why are people so prejudice we are all people no matter what. I know how people feel when they are mistreated.

[@Nwladylaura369]

No tip is the correct response or just a penny!

[@roberth5708]

For Black people add 10 times that?!!

[@LifeStory99999]

Wow, this story truly hit home. Elijah's grace and strength in addressing the situation were remarkable, and Mrs. Holloway's quiet dignity spoke louder than words. It's a powerful reminder to always treat others with respect and kindness, no matter who they are. Thank you for sharing such an inspiring and thought-provoking story! 💖

[@Mrs.Storytelling]

This video is a powerful illustration of how subtle, yet deeply impactful, bias can be. The way the waiter, Todd, completely disregarded the elderly woman, Mrs. Holloway, was infuriating to watch, especially knowing that she was the owner's mother. It wasn't just about the slow service; it was the deliberate avoidance, the dismissive glances, and the complete lack of basic respect. The fact that other diners noticed and were visibly uncomfortable highlights how pervasive this kind of treatment can be, even when it's not overtly aggressive. It's a reminder that prejudice often hides in these everyday microaggressions, the slights that can easily be brushed off as "just being busy" or "not meaning anything." What I found particularly impactful was the way the situation unfolded - the quiet tension building until the owner, Elijah, finally stepped in. His restraint was notable, allowing Todd to expose his true character before confronting him. It was a brilliant move, ensuring that there could be no doubt about Todd's behavior. And ultimately, I think this video shows that real change often requires a combination of both quiet dignity from the person experiencing the injustice, and the boldness of others to speak out and take action. The lesson that leadership isn't just about managing operations but about upholding values was clear. It’s definitely something that resonated and made me reflect on how I would react in a similar scenario and how I can actively challenge microaggressions when I see them.

[@StoriesBestTalesHT]

"We truly appreciate your perspective! Do you think the conclusion of the story offers a hopeful message about achieving fairness, or does it leave us questioning how to overcome racial bias and inequality?"

[@lorrainecabral5302]

Dana was at fault as well. She’s the manager and should be , well, managing the floor. She should have seen what was going on; so either she was negligent or had no issue with it.

[@Nwladylaura369]

I think the owner probably told her to just let things flow, so he could see how the employees conducted themselves.

[@LadybugLuv]

Agreed. She had ample time to notice what was going on and do something before the owner called her over. Going by the story, other patrons had noticed as well.

[@georgegarcia7334]

Never found out what happened to Todd??? I'd have fired him ON THE SPOT!!!

[@donnariahi2975]

When I worked as a waitress I never treated any patron different. As a customer I treated all wait staff the way I wanted to be treated. And I always tip accordingly. I once didn’t leave a tip, but I told the waiter and came back 2 days later when the waiter was next there and left him a $5 tip on a bill that totaled less than $3, because he was willing to wait and because I was embarrassed to be broke. Conversely I had a waitress in another restaurant who served 3 tables near me before serving our table. She got a tip, small though it was. On the way out I told the manager he needed to retrain their staff.

[@frankieclayton9303]

The characters of a person shows what is in the spirit heart mind actions and walk foundation roots values principles

[@joninaordisbjartmarsdottir2860]

Sé should show people consideration and respect, always. How do we want to be treated. It is not our place to judge others. Let’s be good to each other ❤❤❤

[@MichelleHoaks-qm6nr]

Thank you

[@StorytimewithAlexander]

What do you like about this story???

[@leehodge1292]

Dana should have been fired also because she should have been managing her staff better and should have stepped in before!Totally unacceptable 🙄

[@shadowtruth1688]

What Todd did was wrong, no doubt, but isn't it ironic that we only talk about these issues when it happens to someone important? What about the countless times it happens to those without connections?

[@BrendaFernandez-o3x]

They are treated worse. Really sad

[@flea10x6]

Note also the other waitstaff with whom Todd was “joking”

[@abudia6403]

The on duty manager was at fault also.

[@oliviag9888]

This young man definitely needs to attend some customer service classes. However, manners and respect is taught at home .

[@LorenzoWilliams-u6e]

@@oliviag9888 l would have fired him on the spot

[@abudia6403]

He didn't lack customer service skills. He was selective with his skills. This is why i avoid food establishments where young employees dominate.

[@cyberkat6615]

I love her demeanor. And we’re all the same color: human.

[@MagslikesMags]

Dane, the manager should be let go as well.

[@joannejohnson1218]

He should of been fired immediately

[@StoriesBestTalesHT]

"We truly appreciate your perspective! Do you think the conclusion of the story offers a hopeful message about achieving fairness, or does it leave us questioning how to overcome racial bias and inequality?"

[@wanderlust62]

Volumes were spoken to everyone because the situation was allowed to be played out. The message hit solid through grace and dignity as observers processed the scene. It is extremely hard, but I have experienced sending a stronger message by letting racism against me witnessed and responded to. Then I go swimming and scream underwater!

[@LeoChiu229]

Wow, Mrs. Holloway used psychology to test restaurant workers like Todd since her son Elijah is the owner of the restaurant. I would be UPSET & COMPLAIN to the manager if I were in this situation.

[@donique15]

I wonder about Dana, why did she not see what was happening? She was there. As a manager she should have been observing what was happening with her staff. He deserved to be fired, I hoped he learned a lesson and will be respectful to everyone no matter the race, color or class.

[@cyberkat6615]

She’s such an elegant lady.

[@svinvictus]

Difficult to accept that this kind of prejudice continues to exist in our nation today. I'd thought that this was a thing of the past. How awful!

[@kathleenkumiega1092]

I have a friend who is of color. There was a member of our organization who would not sit at a large table with her. Absolutely disgraceful!

[@Debra-f3l]

What organization?

[@kathleenkumiega1092]

@ my quilt guild

[@WandaKennell]

He needs to respect all of matter who they are

[@cynthiapinel3428]

"I can't believe Dana' never picked it up...Sack Dana....

[@nataliehagman2432]

What a thought provoking story ! This lady was unbelievably patient & measured in her responses to Todd. Voice of narrator sounds very familiar. (Mr. Graham Russell )?

[@angiethundercloud1663]

How can he feel powerless he’s the owner

[@janisdeitsch2230]

My entire life I have been ignored. I am not of color but I am overweight because of medical issues. I also do not have stylish clothing. When I am in a store no one pays attention. Others come in and employees go to them, leaving me without service. I have spent my life working with children and in nonprofits. At work I was respected, but nowhere else. Now I am older and disabled and cannot work. Still being ignored.

[@BrendaFernandez-o3x]

BEAUTY DOES NOT MAKE A WOMAN. MAKE YOURSELF HAPPY. BE AROUND PEOPLE THAT LOVE YOU AND ARE GENUINELY NICE TO HAVE YOU IN THEIR LIFE ❤

[@ashleypallis3522]

oh this is horrible beyond words ..............sending you huge hugs xxxx

[@minalevinneugass1196]

Well, when you're an elder, it's easy to be ignored by younger folks. It all depends on the people that are surrounding you or where you go to be around people. I'm a senior citizen and I'm living in an apartment building that's that has mostly younger people in it and I often meet some of these folks and have some nice conversations with them and they are kind. I'm grateful that the fellows that work in the leasing office downstairs are also very pleasant. But it depends on how we come off to others as well. I've always been a chatty. Kathy and I will start a conversations and of course I do my best to keep them as pleasant as possible. There might be things you might be able to do to change things for yourself. I'm sure you still have people that you worked with that you still are in contact with. You might want to discuss different things with them. They might be able to help you out. Best wishes

[@nickislade5533]

@@BrendaFernandez-o3xright you totally ignored the reason why people overlook her… People see fat people as lazy and you added to that ignorance suggesting it wasn’t her disabilty nut her attitude

[@chrisrat2720]

Sending Hugs from Germany . Life sometimes is a really hard Adventure and Humans in that Story are bad Animals .

[@ledagrasso5169]

By the way, I would have asked the mom if she wanted to join our table or go to another better eatery. I remember going to the Cookery, a famous jazz club in NYC. No matter what, service was perfect and I heard the best of the best. Made a life long impression!

[@LorenzoWilliams-u6e]

That place reminds me of the service at Dennys

[@virgildeloatch2864]

😢

[@mrsc.9789]

I have had the same experience more than once and though not making a scene addressed them. Now that the political environment has changed, I sadly expect that these incidents will come again.

[@mrsc.9789]

Thank you

[@jimjett9996]

I would have wished that i would have been as patient as her son . I don't think I would have let it go that long . But thats why i don't have a restaurant lol .

[@patriciabarnett-hale4432]

I don’t understand how anyone could stand by and watch this type of behavior!

[@pamalden4023]

Why didn't the manager notice what was happening? She wasn't managing very well. I would have had a stern word with her at least.

[@margaretthomas1403]

I’m really so tired of this racism on here all the time, it’s just sad that people are still acting like they are above everyone.

[@renae1461]

I agree God made us all. One race Human

[@JeanJordan-jb6oh]

I would have stood up against the way she was being treated. It frustrates me deeply when anyone is treated unfairly because of their skin color or any other reason.

[@RosalynJackson-w7x]

He would be the first to be fired GMA already No that Assignment and handled it well 😎🚬🥂🍾.

[@sharonmccann6659]

I certainly would have spoken up as soon as I saw what happened. 😊

[@ashleypallis3522]

I would have spoken up !

[@010206sd]

I experienced a racial restaurant moment the yt male waiter refused to serve us so a yt female waitress did. I gave her a $100 tip which was more than the meal but to show the racist waiter that I can afford the meal and some.

[@dAfrikaan]

I know that facial expression too well, as it is the face of dissapointment with a little sadness and tiredness from racial abuse. Seeing this expression on my mother’s face usually means the person doing that to her won’t get away with as it would make me outraged!

[@harlempixie338]

When you said Portland, Oregon……😂😂😂😂😂 fine dining….😂😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣💀

[@barbarawallace913]

YES INDEED WELL SAID WITH THIS TRUE AND BEAUTIFUL STORY🙂🤗!!! THANKS FOR SHARING IT!!! IGNORANCE HAS NO BOUNDARIES IN THIS 🌎, BUT OUR ALMIGHTY FATHER HAS A WAY OF SHUTTING IT DOWN ..IN JESUS NAME...AMEN❤❤❤!!!

[@lpetite8636]

No way. I'm a former waitress. I loved my customers many became friends.

[@zuripenda]

Say something, people! You are next!!!

[@Nwladylaura369]

Kindness is King! BTW - the son should have walked his Mom to the waiting car. Manners matter too.

[@adinahirschl704]

This woman behaved as a perfect lady.

[@claracopeland7174]

Got you Todd

[@Gigi-14]

I get in trouble for intervening any time I witness any form of injustice. It’s just the way I am built, though. I just can’t have someone mistreated in my presence - period. 🤷‍♀️

[@patriciabarnett-hale4432]

I would asked to speak to a manager on her behalf.

[@stephenparker4083]

When I review a restaurant the quality of the service is as important as the quality of the food.

[@cornfloats7004]

As an elderly white woman who occasionally treats herself, alone, to an elegant meal, I want to say that this is about ALL differences. Not just race. When I was a young woman (and my parents had me in their early 40's) I watched my mother being treated this way after she was widowed. Now, it happens to me. Grace is the only answer. AND: I don't complain, just make note and don't frequent the place again. The Elijah character did everything right. PS: When I am treated well, and it does happen, I tip WELL!

[@jamesvalles1952]

When I was in the Marine Corps in the 70's I went into Cafe for a sandwich and a beer dressed in my dress Blues I waited and waited til finally one of the customers said their never going to serve you your brown not white then just walked out. Miss USA

[@brandirogers4326]

Mean waiter

[@yolandamorua107]

I'm 76 years old witnessed , now black people were treated Mexican American , went through the same thing , in lampasas Texas, it's sad how ignorant people are, , if you were treated , like you didn't belong , it only. made me stronger I stood up for what was right now I'm respected, Because I pose with authority ,

[@dannyrowland9805]

Yes if i was there I'd speak up for her And Demanded to see the manager I'd of even sit with her

[@lindachampion2296]

It me sick, when will people understand that we are one?

[@minalevinneugass1196]

You all realize that this is fiction, right? That being said, it illustrates bad behavior and bigotry. Personally, I don't get it. I love diversity very much. If we were all the same we would live on a very boring planet. We're all created by the same Creator just like the beautiful flowers in the garden. We're different and we're beautiful.

[@sandiharvey1305]

This waiter is really off! He should not have treated the woman this way, he acted like a hypocrite serving other tables with a smile but was critical with her and ignoring her with purpose is not the solution. Number one, do not judge a book by its cover, racism should not have been apart of this and in fact should not be in an industry such as this.

[@sandybruce9092]

Interesting story that I read several months ago on another platform! Same story, same everything!

[@SuzanneU]

The server exchanging smirks with Todd should also have been told to go.

[@WOGPK1212]

I would've gotten up & left the restaurant......

[@richardplume3212]

Agree big mac 4me

[@angiethundercloud1663]

How did the boorish waiter get hired?

[@stevethompson566]

Don’t believe every story you see here. There is no Pemberton Restaurant in Portland, Oregon. And this behaviour is not typical of the area.

[@jaminesonymorgan8428]

in today's world alot of people out there when they see this type of behavior going on in front of them first thing they say is i don't want to get involved but what happens when it comes to a toddler or a baby won't people out there speak up or just let Damme things slide bye and wait until things really get Ugly.

[@jonathanransome]

That happened to a friend and myself at the olive garden in hillard its a suburb outside of Columbus oh if ur black don't go their.😢

[@lisettealdrich5260]

As a woman often eating alone when I worked out of town, I was often seated in the least desirable spots, near the restrooms or kitchen and I could never get a bartender to wait on me. Often male patrons would insist I get attention. I’m white, probably worse for Black and Brown women.

[@johnniewalker5958]

I wouldn’t of letter this linger too long as it did I would of spoken up sooner

[@richlynn5492]

I' ldv STOOK UP TOO !

[@MatthewMoucha-fk1zs]

So, this story is based in a liberal state, so making an assumption, likely not plausible there. However, personally would that I witness something like this, so blatant, I would have introduced myself to Mrs. Holloway, and informed the staff that she would be dining with my wife and I, and would have had to even ask my wife. No one likes to eat a alone. Would Mrs. Hollaway, have declined, it would have given the waiter polite, but not so subtle vector check that his behavior was being watched by others, and he needed to check himself. Frankly no elderly lady will be treated thus, in my presence, matter the color of her skin.

[@firesong83]

I also would have stood up (and I have done so in the past.) You call it prejudice, I call it entitlement.

[@rocarroll1533]

I gave up watching,why so many ads

[@genebooher1778]

Professionalism should be standard not the persons color or how they dress treat everyone how you’d like to be treated period !!!!!

[@neoqueenserenity4590]

The costumers learned that they’re all jerks just like Todd. Not only did they not help her but they also all treated her differently. Looking at her, judging, snickering and whispering. They’re no difference except they were not in his shoe and did not have to bear consequences.

[@marciamusiak7666]

I couldn't see that and stay silent. Disgusting behavior by Todd, in what world was he living? Maybe he will learn from this and carry that lesson to his next job, I feel he didn't have much of a future at Elijahs bistro, sad really, it must have hurt Elijah plenty to watch his mom treated with such blatant disrespect.

[@zombiewulfgrld6055]

Dana should’ve been fired as well. How did she Not witness the behavior in the 30 min that elapsed? She was clearly in the room since Elijah could summon her so easily. The other servers are suspect as well since they saw what he was doing. It’s not just fancy places that have a way of dismissing people quietly by simply not addressing your table or serving you. Not sure this is a real incident, but I know I’ve encountered these reminders over the years in various venues in multiple states. Yes, it’s always disconcerting, but we persevere in spite of them.

[@ledagrasso5169]

I'm an elderly woman who appears white. I'm not. I got treated very badly at a local diner until the owner intervened. Since he was the owner, i left no tip. My daughter was upset with me. I told her that the 2 waiters would maybe have gotten the tip and i wasn't going to reward their bad service. Sometimes it's not about color, ethnicity or whatever old ladies of any group are invisible. That being said, did Todd just get entrapped?

[@denisesweatt9359]

Where are these people getting these videos knowing nothing like this really happens. If it did you would see it all over the world

[@claracopeland7174]

You never who is who