Major Diggs Brown is a veteran who served in the U.S. army for 34 years, including in Afghanistan. As a result of his service, he became disabled, and was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
While on his way to his home in Fort Collins, Colo., Brown, accompanied by his service dog, decided to have some breakfast at Cochon Volant in Chicago.
Upon entering, Brown recalled that a staff member took issue with his service dog and told him that dogs weren't allowed in the restaurant, according to The Conservative Tribune.
"When my service dog and I walked in, the hostess took us to the table, and the young lady named Hannah, she said you can't have a dog in the restaurant," Brown told reporters.
He argued that his dog shouldn't be an issue, citing the American Disabilities Act (ADA).
"I kept my cool and I said you know it's the American Disabilities Act. This is my service dog, he can go wherever I go, it's the law. So I was seated, placed my order then Hannah came over again and said I have to leave. I said it's my service dog and she said I don't care, you need to leave, we don't have dogs in the restaurant," he continued.
Brown was eventually kicked out of the french bistro. The lavish salmon eggs benedict that the veteran had ordered was downgraded to a microwave hot dog and a pepsi at the O'Hare International Airport, The Chicago Tribune reported.
When he returned home, he made a post dated Sept. 12, where he discussed the incident that ended with him getting "kicked to the curb."
"I posted to my Facebook page, this is what happened to me and it went viral," Brown said. "The manager of the restaurant then called me personally and then emailed me apologizing."
He noted that it wasn't his intention to give negative attention to the restaurant, but to simply let them know that they violated a fundamental law.
"It's not my intent to destroy a restaurant, but it is my intent to make them aware that they have violated a law that not only affects veterans with dogs, but other people with disabilities with service laws and that they need to be aware that it's discrimination," the veteran told CBS Chicago.
"They've stepped up to the plate and they are going to make some changes at the restaurant so I'm happy in my mind that it is resolved," Brown added.
The incident was allegedly the first time that his dog got him kicked out of any restaurant.
Cochon Volant apologized for the "unfortunate situation" on its Facebook page, saying that the incident was "not a true representation of our company policy." In addition to conducting an internal review, the restaurant has pledged to donate to Puppies Behind Bars and Colorado Disabled Veterans.
