Restaurant boss defends autistic waiter after diner refuses to be served by him

A restaurant boss has been praised for taking a stand against customers who refused to be served by an autistic member of staff.

Mike Jennings, who runs Grenache Restaurant in Manchester, said that Andy Foster's confidence had been destroyed when the diners asked not to be served by him.

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Speaking to Manchester Evening News, he said: "The customers seemed to have a problem with him, even though his service was good.

"I explained that he suffered from autism and their response was that they didn't want to be served by him.

"They asked me why I would give him a job in a restaurant like ours. I couldn't believe it.

Jennings added: "The incident really knocked his confidence and we had to take him to one side and let him know that we certainly didn't feel that way.

"All we care about is someone having enthusiasm and passion. The rest we can teach."

Andy, 45, was diagnosed with autism seven years ago and started working at Grenache Restaurant to help support his role as a registered carer for his mother who suffers from Alzheimer's.

After writing about the incident on Facebook, social media users took to the restaurant's page to praise Grenache.

One wrote: "Well done Grenache! I wish there were more employers like you. Best wishes to Andy - don't let ignorant and intolerant people affect your self esteem. You are so much better than these people!"

Another said: "What a great example of a business sticking up for its employee ....goes to prove the customer isn't always right! Well said Grenache".

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