Friday's wins praise from family denied service

In the midst of the first big storm of the winter, Sue Greenberg, her disabled daughter Laura and their trained companion dog Dawn were turned away from a Wheeling restaurant.

Now, the Greenberg family of Arlington Heights is praising the restaurant chain TGI Friday's for steps it has taken to make amends.

Laura, 17, who suffered a brain injury a decade ago and can no longer walk or talk, uses a golden retriever, Dawn, to help her. She was turned away from the restaurant Dec. 1 while celebrating her birthday.

Mike Archer, chief operating officer of Friday's, "has taken ownership of this unfortunate incident involving a manager at the Wheeling restaurant and embraced immediate changes and awareness training for the Friday's family," Stu Greenberg said in a prepared release approved by their attorney and the restaurant chain.

Friday's is making a contribution to the Laura Greenberg Foundation, which was founded shortly after her brain injury in 1997. The foundation provides financial support and necessary medical assistance for Laura so she can live at home.

Friday's also is contributing to Canine Companions For Independence (CCI), which provided the family with the help dog. CCI is funded by private contributions and there is no charge for its dogs.

Friday's also will hold a fundraiser at the Wheeling restaurant on Feb. 12 with all the money benefiting CCI. It will hold additional fund-raisers over the next five years.

"I encourage you to dine at Friday's again knowing that this company has now put our Laura in their hearts and prayers," Stu Greenberg said in his statement.