Cracker Barrel has put the brakes on an antigay pastor holding a hate event at one of its locations later this month.
Grayson Fritts, a Baptist pastor who also works as a police detective, had planned to hold an event for his congregation at a Cracker Barrel in Cleveland, Tennessee on June 29.
The decision to allow Fritts to stage an event at the eatery invited criticism from the Tennessee Democratic Party, which noted that Fritts’ beliefs conflicted with the the popular restaurant chain’s public dedication to inclusivity.
Cracker Barrel announced via Twitter that it would not allow Fritts to hold the event, saying: “We take pride in serving as a home away from home for all guests and in showing our communities and our country that the hospitality we practice is open for everyone. We serve everyone who walks through our doors with genuine hospitality, not hate, and require all guests to do the same.”
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We work hard every day to foster a culture that is welcoming and inclusive. We strongly disagree with Mr. Fritts’ statements of hate and divisiveness. Please see our full statement below. pic.twitter.com/kYc3fwm5kD
— Cracker Barrel (@CrackerBarrel) June 18, 2019
The chain also cited its corporate zero-tolerance policy for discrimination as grounds for blocking the Fritts event.
Fritts attracted national attention a few weeks ago when he labeled queer people “worthy of death” in a sermon he posted online.
The move sparked an investigation by the Knox County Sheriff’s Office into Fritts’ record to determine if his anti-LGBTQ biases affected any of his cases.
The department also placed Fritts on sick leave until July 19, when he will leave the department for good.
Related: Cop caught on camera calling gay people “freaks” and “animals” who should be “put to death”
RIGay
Cracker Barrel? I thought they were right up there with Chick fil-A? Glad to hear they that they have come around!
At least until this “pastor” complains…
Aires the Ram
That was in the 80’s. Yes, they have evolved a long way.
jcoberkrom
Cracker Barrel???? Is the earth still spinning???
MISTERJETT
two thumbs up, Cracker Barrel!!!!
pianomeister
Good for Cracker Barrel. I’m genuinely surprised but pleased. I’m also a little bit afraid of this guy. He looks and talks like he could lose it any minute and if he’s a big NRA fan………..
delray6
Cracker Barrel has done a complete 180 degree turn in recent years. They’ve been a major sponsor of the Nashville Pride Festival for quite a while now. They deserve our support, unlike the folks at Chik-fil-hate who still don’t get it.
RIGay
This is good to hear! I won’t feel so bad about going there when the Mother-in-law comes to visit!
Way back in the day, I had a close lesbian friend who had a terrible time at the chain; I’ve been jaded on them ever since. I will breathe a little easier now.
PLAYS WELL WITH OTHERS
HOLY SHIP BALLS!!!!!!
Cracker Barrell: Good on You!!
Nice to see a corporation actually means it when they renounce their bigotry instead of proclaiming their “sincere apologies” like Chik-Fil-Athit…
GentlemanCaller
Yay, now we can stop at Cracker Barrell on road trips!
BStewart27
Maybe 25 years since Cracker Barrel’s discrimination issues were big news. I don’t know how it resolved back then, but it was never, IIRC, so pompous or cruel as things have become now. I am glad they have evolved and stand up to this monster.
Nomorjeans
I applaud you! Cracker Barrel has come a long way since I first went to one. I remember when they fired a manager for being gay back in the early 90’s .
Aromaeus
I really do like their food so it will be nice to go and not feel like I’m betraying my community and identity lol