Restaurant apologizes after veteran questioned about service dog

Company representatives are apologizing after a military veteran with a service dog was treated improperly at a Houlihan's restaurant in Algonquin.

"This is not something that our company tolerates," said Amy Fasholt-Fisher, vice president of operations for the Kansas City-based chain. "We are taking full responsibility, offering no excuses."

The confrontation occurred Sunday at the restaurant, 1508 S. Randall Road.

The veteran, whose name was not released by the company, entered with his mother and his dog and requested to be seated, Fasholt-Fisher said.

A hostess got a manager, who asked what service the animal provides, Fasholt-Fisher said.

That should not have happened, Fasholt-Fisher said.

"It was insulting ... so they decided to leave," Fasholt-Fisher said.

The veteran's mother posted a report of the confrontation on Facebook on Monday. That garnered the attention of sympathizers and the company.

The manager who confronted the veteran no longer works for the company, Fasholt-Fisher said.

"The manager did not follow our policy," she said.

Fasholt-Fisher said company representatives were able to reach the veteran's mother by telephone Monday afternoon and are trying to resolve the situation.

Fasholt-Fisher called it an "isolated, unfortunate situation." She stressed that the chain welcomes service dogs and offers free meals to veterans on Memorial Day.

The veteran's mother couldn't be reached for comment.