Special to the Chronicle
A family says a local restaurant discriminated against them because of their service dog.
The family says the manager of 5 Guys Burgers on Columbiana Drive in the Harbison area told them their service dog wasn’t welcome because of dog hair.
Carlie is a 9-pound chihuahua trained service dog.
Her owner David Davies suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and seizures.
They have their service animal papers although it isn’t mandatory to show your certification according to the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The family told WIS-TV that the 5 Guys manager said their dog would get hair everywhere.
“I said ‘this is my service animal. I have documentation if you want to see it.’ 
“She said ‘I don’t give a f__,” Davies said.
He said the manager got so hostile another employee had to get between them.
He said his family of 7 left and contacted the 5 Guys corporate office.
Davies said,  “I got her in 2016 and this is the 1st time we’ve had this experience. She’s been in Red Lobster and Joe’s Crab Shack.” 
His daughter Kelly Pressley said, “They were cussing and my 1-year-old was in my arms when she was yelling and coming at me. It was a toxic situation.”
WIS-TV said the 5 Guys corporate office didn’t return its phone calls.
WIS went inside the restaurant where employees said it is under investigation so can’t comment.
Davies said 5 Guys offered him a $50 gift card but he wants an apology from the manager and better education on service animals for 5 Guys’ employees.

We welcome comments and letters to the editor.
To comment, please email JerryBellune@yahoo.com

Our special offer for you
Since you are interested in what’s happening in our county, you cn help us continue to provide local news by joining our subscriber family. 
Try a 3-month introductory digital subscription for only $9.95.
This offer is also good for present subscribers who want to add 3 months to their subscription.
Call us at 803-359-7633. 
Nights and weekends please leave your name and phone number and we will return your call.