Aretha Franklin in Burger Beef: Queen of Soul Gets No Respect At Johnny Rockets

It appears there was no respect for Queen Of Soul Aretha Franklin, at a Johnny Rockets near Ontario, Canada last week. 

The legendary singer was denied seating at the Niagara Falls restaurant after playing a packed Artpark concert in Lewiston, New York on Tuesday.

Franklin said she was denied seating because she ordered takeout food in the food court area of Fallsview Casino Resort.  

According to a statement the 72-year-old singer released through agent David Brokaw, the server told Franklin, "You can't sit here because you ordered for takeout. You can only stand in the perimeter."

Franklin said in the statement, "The woman was very rude, unprofessional and nasty - certainly not the appropriate face for Johnny Rockets. No one should be addressed this way, whether a celebrity or not. I told her she can eat and pay for my meal, and left."
 
A Johnny Rockets spokesperson said the employee had been reprimanded and retrained in the takeout policy. The franchise owner also offered apologies for the actions of a "a new and very young employee."

Franklin feels the apology should have gone to her directly. 

Regardless, she says she will not stop patronizing Johnny Rockets. 

"Over the years I have always enjoyed a burger and cherry Coke and the choreographed dance by waiters and waitresses at Johnny Rockets," Franklin said.

"This experience in Niagara Falls will not stop my enjoyment of burgers and cherry Cokes, and talking to the classy and friendly people at Johnny Rockets."

Via NY Daily News