Owners of CT Wendy’s condemn former manager accused of using racial slurs at high school basketball team

PLAINFIELD — The manager of a local Wendy’s who was arrested last week after police say he directed racial slurs at high school basketball coaches is no longer employed with the fast-food restaurant, according to the owners.

In a statement released Sunday, Susie Schulz, a spokesperson for Meritage Hospitality Group, which owns the Pratt Road Wendy’s, said the company has “zero tolerance for racial harassment or discrimination.”

“We condemn this manager’s conduct as completely inconsistent with our values and have taken prompt and immediate action,” Schulz said. “The manager is no longer employed with the company. We are committed to working with our teammates to ensure that our restaurants continue to be welcoming to all who visit.”

The manager, identified as Brett White, 22, of Canterbury, was charged with second-degree breach of peace after he admitted to using racial slurs during the Thursday night incident, Plainfield police said Friday.

The encounter took place after the Woodstock Academy boys basketball team stopped at the restaurant for dinner shortly before 10 p.m. on their way home from a game, school officials said.

Woodstock officials have said the team was denied service even though the restaurant was open. Police and school officials have said White then used racial slurs and profanity when Woodstock coaches Donte Adams and Denzel Washington confronted him about not serving the team.

“It was never about us,” Washington said in a statement issued by the school Friday. “We were just thinking about the kids and the fact that we had to get them home. This story could have had a very different outcome.”

Chris Sandford, head of school for Woodstock Academy, has called the experience “life-changing for those involved.”

“While I am angry and devastated over this incident, I could not be more proud of our coaches and student-athletes,” Sandford said in a statement. “These coaches are building fine young men who are going to change the world.”

White was released on $10,000 bond and is scheduled to appear Feb. 21 at state Superior Court in Danielson.