African-American Customer Confronts Chick-fil-A Staff Over Shocking Racial Slur Printed On His Receipt

In a world where fast food is meant to satisfy cravings, not incite controversy, one man’s quick stop at a Chick-fil-A in La Plata, Maryland, turned into a shocking encounter. Marquise Vanzego simply wanted a meal, but he ended up getting more than he bargained for: a piping hot dish served with a side of blatant racism. 

The date was August 23, and the time was around 8:00 PM, but what should have been an uneventful Friday evening became a painful reminder of the persistent issues of racial discrimination that continue to plague our society.

When Vanzego received his receipt, instead of his name, he saw the words “M*nkeys L1 2583” scrawled next to the 'Guest' section—a jarring, dehumanizing label that no one should ever have to confront. The slur was a twisted corruption of his name, which left him shocked and heartbroken. 

In a world where we've made significant strides in civil rights, incidents like this make us realize how far we still have to go.

Oh, but Vanzego didn't stay silent. On August 28, he took to Instagram to share a photograph of the receipt along with a video of his return to the Chick-fil-A location. In the video, he can be heard confronting the staff, asking if the person responsible for writing the slur was available to speak. 

Scroll down to see the video of the entire incident…

The La Plata drive-thru left one customer with more than just nuggets—it served up a side of controversy.

Jeffrey Greenberg/Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

He was met with the disheartening response that the employee was no longer on shift, but he was offered the manager’s contact information. Vanzego's emotional reaction in the video resonated with many. It highlighted the deep wounds such incidents can inflict, even decades after the civil rights movement.

In an interview with News4, Vanzego opened up about the impact of the incident, saying, “It was devastating. It just set me back years.” He described how the slur brought back memories of racial profiling and the struggles that come with being a Black man in America. 

It wasn’t just an insult; it was a blow that reopened old wounds and reminded him of the ongoing battle against racism. The most frustrating part was that despite his outrage, the store owner chose to stand by the 17-year-old employee who claimed he had ‘misheard’ Vanzego’s name. But for Vanzego, this explanation wasn’t enough. 

Understanding Racial Microaggressions

Dr. Derald Wing Sue, a professor of psychology at Columbia University, defines racial microaggressions as subtle, often unintentional behaviors that communicate derogatory or negative messages to marginalized groups.

In his work, he emphasizes how these microaggressions can accumulate over time, leading to significant psychological distress. An incident like the one experienced by Marquise Vanzego underscores the importance of understanding these interactions and their emotional weight.

Dr. Sue suggests that organizations should implement training sessions to educate staff about the impact of language and behavior, fostering a more inclusive environment.

Marquise Vanzego calls out Chick-fil-A after finding 'M*nkeys' on his receipt. (Receipt + Video included)

He believes the situation was mishandled, and the young employee should have faced more serious consequences. In his view, allowing such behavior to go unchecked only perpetuates the cycle of racism and sends the wrong message about accountability.

Vanzego’s experience shows that racism isn’t just a thing of the past—it’s a present reality that requires all of us to stand up and say, “Enough is enough.”

As for Chick-fil-A, the company has acknowledged the incident, stating that it doesn’t reflect its values. However, the damage has been done, and for Vanzego, this experience has left a bitter taste that no chicken sandwich can ever erase.

To prevent incidents like the one at Chick-fil-A, businesses should prioritize diversity training. A workplace that embraces inclusivity encourages employees to be mindful of their language. Experts, such as Dr. Nicole M. Smith, a social psychologist, advocate for ongoing training that includes role-playing exercises.

This approach creates a safe space for employees to engage in discussions about biases and prejudices, improving their ability to navigate difficult situations. By fostering an open dialogue, organizations can help mitigate misunderstandings and promote a healthy work culture.

Building Healthier Patterns

In conclusion, the incident involving Marquise Vanzego serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive nature of racism in everyday interactions. Experts like Dr. Derald Wing Sue highlight the psychological toll of microaggressions, underscoring the necessity for businesses to adopt comprehensive training programs.

By focusing on education and awareness, organizations can cultivate a culture of respect and understanding. Ultimately, addressing these issues not only benefits employees but also enhances customer experiences, paving the way for a more equitable society.