Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - A Rochester restaurant is the target of a complaint by the Minnesota Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations. CAIR is calling the Red Lobster chain to apology and take remedial action based on a complaint by a Muslim family involving harsh treatment by employees of the Red Lobster restaurant in Rochester.

According to a news release from CAIR, the family went to the restaurant manager after repeated requests for water to break their Ramadan fast were ignored. When the family raised the issue of possible bias in the way they were being treated, CAIR says they were reportedly told: “You people love to play the race card whenever you can.”

The family also claims the manager responded after they indicated their intent to complain to Red Lobster’s corporate headquarters, by saying “Go ahead and call them. It’s going to be your word against mine. They won’t believe you.”

The complaint also alleges a Red Lobster server joined the conversation by saying, “I know all about Ramadan. A Muslim hit my car the other day because she was too hungry to drive in Ramadan. I almost got injured because of Ramadan.”

CAIR contends the treatment received by the family violated federal civil rights laws and the Minnesota Human Rights Act. The group is requesting Red Lobster issue a written apology, extend compensation that would be donated to charity, update its anti-harassment and anti-discrimination policies, and implement sensitivity training for all of its employees.

When contacted this morning, a spokesperson for Red Lobster issued this response. “We welcome everyone in our restaurants for a great seafood dining experience. All our guests should be treated equally and given the respect they deserve. Since this is an open legal matter, I can’t share any additional information at this time.”

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