Zaxby’s Workers Accused of Taunting Deputies

SHELBY, NC — The owner of the Zaxby’s in Shelby is investigating two employees accused of mistreating deputies.

The owner, Neil Glezen, avoided WCCB Charlotte follow-up questions surrounding accusations that the employees taunted two Cleveland County Sheriff’s Deputies who visited the restaurant for lunch on Sunday.

“I think it’s disgusting, if you want to know the truth,” said one customer, Joey Smith.

“I think every situation should be investigated and taken from that point,” said another customer, Jackie Sanders.

Deputies tell WCCB Charlotte they don’t want to talk on camera so as to not harm Zaxby’s business and put their families’ safety at risk.

A spouse to one deputy wrote on Facebook that the cooks “…began yelling at them and calling them names… neither of them replied to the rude comments…” and put the “…hottest sauce possible…” on the deputies’ food, making it inedible.

“If they haven’t corrected the problem, there’s gonna be a lot of veterans who boycott coming to Zaxby’s,” said Smith.

The owner never responded to several messages WCCB Charlotte left.

A corporate statement says in part: “All Zaxby’s locations are committed to fostering positive relationships with all first responders…”

Glezen sped off when we tried to address customer concerns.

The Zaxby’s owner went to the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office once he left the restaurant. A spokesperson tells us that the goal was to speak with deputies about how to improve the situation.

The controversy is unfolding in a climate of strained relations between police and black communities around the U.S.

“I think we all have some anger. Some more than others,” said Donna Gray. “I wasn’t there, and I didn’t witness it, though. So, I’ve learned in my 40-some-odd years, if I didn’t witness it, take it with a grain of salt.”

Customers want more investigation before deciding if the workers should be fired.

“But these police here, they work hard every day ,” said Smith. “Their job is stressful. They don’t need to be stressed out when they can come to eat.”

Deputies’ families say they will teach their children to love and respect everyone, but won’t go back to Zaxby’s.