Black business owner, Michigan track legend sues McDonald’s alleging discrimination
Updated Feb 16, 2021;
FLINT, MI -- A Flint native and owner of 14 McDonald’s franchises in Ohio is suing the world’s largest franchisor, alleging it has shown more favorable treatment to white owners and denied him the opportunity to buy restaurants in more affluent communities.
Herbert Washington filed a civil rights lawsuit Tuesday, Feb. 16 in the Northern District Court of Ohio. The suit alleges racial discrimination and retaliation against Washington.
The lawsuit states Black owners average around $700,000 less in annual sales per McDonald’s store than White owners.
“In his four decades in the McDonald’s system, Mr. Washington has suffered deplorable treatment as compared with White franchisees,” the lawsuit reads.