Though Quigley extended an apology to Saba, the family remains unsatisfied. The restaurant’s owner allegedly defended Quigley, stating it was a joke referring to the elderly waitress serving the family. According to him, the comment was about the potential risk the waitress faced due to being overworked.
Family’s Stance
Both Saba and her sister, Caroline Speikers, found the owner’s justification hard to believe. They argued that irrespective of its intent, the comment was either mocking someone with a disability or was a blatant act of age discrimination.
“It’s either mockery towards a sick and disabled individual, or it’s sheer ageism,” Speikers remarked. She firmly believed Quigley’s sense of humor was inappropriate for customer-facing roles.
The incident has ignited discussions on the need for sensitivity and compassion in service industries.
