IHOP server claims she was fired after feeding a homeless man

A Florida woman said she was fired from her job at IHOP after serving food to a homeless man.

Victoria Hughes, who has worked at the IHOP in Lakeland for 13 years, said the man went into the restaurant Sunday and said he was hungry.

“Without thinking about it, I bought the stack of pancakes and made him water,” she told Nexstar’s WFLA.

Hughes said she also informed her manager, but his reaction surprised her.

“He told me the reason he was upset was because there could be a loitering issue … or a safety issue for customers,” Hughes said.

She said the same homeless man later returned with a family who brought him for another meal. Then on Tuesday, Hughes said she received a call from her manager telling her she had been fired.

“He spoke to me yesterday and told me I was fired,” she said. “What did I ask him to do? And he said: corporate policy.”

Despite losing her job just before the holidays, Hughes said she stands by her decision.

“I need my job, but I would still do it again,” she said. “I really would. I would still help someone if I could. If he had asked me for my shirt, I probably would have tried to give him that too.”

After speaking with WFLA, Hughes said she received a direct call from IHOP corporate headquarters. The call included a job offer and compensation for missed days of work.

“We strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone is welcome. As we actively investigate this situation, we will use this as an opportunity to train our employees on how to handle cases related to food insecurity,” Dan Enea, CEO of Sunshine Restaurant Partners, which operates more than 150 IHOP locations, said in a statement .

“To continue our commitment to supporting those in need in our local community, we are donating to Feeding America as well as local charities in Lakeland that address food insecurity,” he continued in his statement.

Hughes said she will need some time to decide whether she wants to work for the company again after spending time with her family this holiday.