When Marquise Vanzego picked up his food at the La Plata Chick-fil-A drive-thru last Friday, he was shocked by the racist name on the label.

The Charles County man said the label he received had the word “monkey” printed on it instead of his name.

WRC

“It was devastating,” Vanzego said. “It set me back years. As a black man, we’ve been through a lot, and it’s a constant reminder that just when you think you’re over a situation, someone will reopen the wound.”

Vanzego said he went in to complain and a manager and the store owner later apologized to him. The owner told Vanzego he would not fire the employee in question because it was a minor and he got the name wrong.

Vanzego says he placed the order in person rather than over a microphone because the employee was standing outside in the drive-thru line.

“I think it could have been handled very differently,” Vanzego said. “I think the employee should have been fired immediately. It’s unfortunate that he could end up losing his job, but these things happen. He has to learn from them.”

Vanzego told News4 that he used to be a regular customer at Chick-fil-A, often coming several times a week.

Chick-fil-A responded to a request for comment with a brief statement.

“This Chick-fil-A is an independently owned franchise. The franchisee of this restaurant has apologized to the guest. However, this experience does not meet our expectations and is unacceptable.”

News4 also called Chick-fil-A in La Plata. An employee who answered the phone said he had no further comment.

Vanzego says he has hired a lawyer and is considering filing a federal discrimination lawsuit against Chick-fil-A.

“I will not go to Chick-fil-A anymore,” Vanzego said. “Racism is still alive.”