Firing a client is never easy. But the popular Fort Worth restaurateur Jon Bonnell did just that Oct. 19, in a dispute with a customer over facemask rules. The customer took to Facebook to air his argument, calling Bonnell – co-owner of the Waters Restaurant Sundance Square, Bonnell’s, and Buffalo Bros Pizza Wings & Subs restaurants in Fort Worth - an “ass-hat.”
It all started when the customer said he was walking to the men's room from his seat on the patio. “Angie and I were just muscled out of Waters Restaurant by armed security, owned by Jon Bonnell, for not wearing a mask while walking 15 feet from the patio to the bathroom,” the customer wrote.
“I personally was challenged by a staff member to a fight because of. I am willing to bet I and my company have spent over a $100k with Waters and Jon Bonnell over the past 6 to 7 years. Goodbye Jon Bonnell we will never return. Your biggest fan has become someone that will now tell everyone that you are an ass-hat and your business should be avoided.”
Bonnell, on his Facebook page, responded, “I, and most restaurant owners I know, really don’t care much for having to enforce the rules these days, but it’s not our call. Sorry, but if you refuse to wear a mask, we have to ask you to put one on. That’s the order from Governor Abbott that we must enforce or face consequences. Now, if you decide to threaten violence against my staff for politely reminding you to wear a mask, well sorry Trent Cole, but that behavior will NEVER be tolerated. The fact that you spent the last 2 days threatening me and several of my employees tells me all I need to know. I’ve known you for a very long time, Trent and I’m begging you: Delete your social media accounts. They have done nothing but cause you pain and conflict in your life.”
Bonnell’s post racked up hundreds of Facebook likes within its first hour.
