Business owners says they'll try to accommodate Spanish speaking customers

By Jocelyne Pruna

MILWAUKEE (CBS58) -- Leon's Frozen Custard Shop said on Thursday that if customers speak Spanish they will try to accommodate them. 

"We prefer to speak English, when you come you will be greeted in English. If you speak Spanish we will try to accommodate you but if we don't have anyone that can speak Spanish, well we can do sign language or something," said Leon's Frozen Custard's owner, Ron Schneider, in a statement to CBS 58.

The owner said the original rule was not to discriminate, it was just the easiest way to conduct business.

Darryl Morin, with LULAC, said their office has received many calls in the last 24 hours about this.

“Well surprised, right? Everybody loves Leon’s, it’s an institution here in town that being said we still need to make sure they are operating within the law,” Morin said. 

He said they plan to request an investigation with the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. They plan to meet with the owner Friday and hope to make a joint address following the meeting.  

State Representative Josh Zepnick, who represents that district, said he also hopes to meet with the owner.  

"We can move things forward and let's find some other stuff to do together as a community and not this fighting," Zepnick said. "I think frozen custard is worth enjoying not fighting over."

People on both sides are voicing their opinion the owner of Leon's Frozen Custard has gotten backlash and support.

"A ban isn't right, but if you're going to live here you should be an American, live our culture, speak our language," said Jim Voigt, customer.  

Joey Sanchez said an employee told him she wasn't allowed to speak in Spanish to him. He posted it on Facebook and that's what got all of this started.

"I was just standing for what I believe and it wasn't the best strategy if we will say to approach the Hispanic community."

On social media, people have been talking about boycotts and protest. However, Sanchez said that was never his intention. 

"I was just not in agreement with this policy or rule. I never told anyone to boycott this place, I don't have anything personal with them, I think the product is great. It's just what they are doing is bad for business."

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