Boycott led by T.I. closes Atlanta Houston’s restaurant after charges of discrimination
This weekend, Atlanta-based celebrities including rappers T.I. and Killer Mike, called for locals to protest Houston’s restaurant after accusations of discrimination.
On Oct. 6, Ernestine Johnson wrote in an Instagram post that she felt as if she and her party had been discriminated against when they arrived at the Houston’s on Lenox Road with a party of seven that was denied seating.
“We had a party of 7 and were told they do not seat more than 6. We said fine we will seat 4 and 3 at separate tables. They said we don’t split tables. I said we aren’t asking you to split tables we are separating ourselves and we are completely fine with different checks and different sections. They said no and still refused us! When asked why they had no sound reason. I felt completely disrespected at a business I have been patronizing for years! Has anyone else ever felt discriminated against at this business?” she wrote.
Johnson also posted several images of parties of seven seated together in the restaurant. In a video of the exchange, a Houston’s employee stated that the relationship had become too aggressive to serve the party.
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T.I. posted to social media from the scene of the protest:
As T.I. noted, the restaurant closed on Saturday in anticipation of the protest.
For the full story and more on Houston's response to the boycott, visit MyAJC.com.
About the Author
Nedra Rhone is a lifestyle columnist for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution where she has been a reporter since 2006. A graduate of Columbia University School of Journalism, she enjoys writing about the people, places and events that define metro Atlanta. Sign up to have her column sent to your inbox: ajc.com/newsletters/nedra-rhone-columnist.
