Black Officer Says Augusta Chick-fil-A Made Him Pay While White Colleagues Ate Free

Sgt. Tracy Reid of the Clover Police Department says three white colleagues received complimentary meals at an Augusta Chick-fil-A while he was charged despite all wearing the same uniform. Augusta owner-operator Kenny Hanna apologized and called the incident an oversight, sending two free meal vouchers, a response Reid criticized for framing the episode as only a perceived racial issue. Chick-fil-A’s spokesperson said a team lead who does not usually work the register stepped in, did not know the first-responder discount policy, and remains employed after internal conversations. The company emailed staff at the Augusta location to remind them of discount policies, while Reid has asked corporate for mandatory retraining and clearer civil-rights compliance; his department has voiced support. A WJBF report says Reid has not heard directly from corporate, and a local sheriff expressed support and plans to contact Chick-fil-A’s CEO, as the viral WSOC-TV clip keeps national attention on the case with no lawsuit filed.