IHOP waiter William Powell, 27, was fired and arrested for the goodwill he gave customers at a Brooklyn, New York location. Powell has been accused of giving away free soft drinks to customers who could not afford the cost. On the surface it seems like a small deal but according to the owner, Powell is responsible for $3k in freebies over eight months. According to Powell, “It was me looking out for the community. There are certain people that couldn’t afford the drinks. There was no malicious intent. Me and the owner weren’t seeing eye-to-eye.”
Despite his desire to help those in need, police have charged Powell with felony grand larceny and possession of stolen property. When arrested, he told police, “I am not stealing. I am serving the ones in need. I take from the rich and give to the poor. What’s the big deal? I’ve been doing this since I started here.” Powell went on to describe himself as a Robin Hood figure for the community.
IHOP Franchise owner Arkell Cox noticed the discrepancy when he reviewed sales and noticed that beverage sales for Powell amounted to 6% while his co-workers averaged between 17% and 20%. According to Powell, when he noticed customers unable to order a beverage with their meals he would not charge them for a drink. According to Powell, “I kind of told them, ‘This is not supposed to happen, but here you guys go,” Powell denied he was giving away free soda to boost his tips and stated that he would have given people free food if that was the case. The self proclaimed Robin Hood was released on his own recognizance and is now concerned with finding another job waiting tables. “I really like being a waiter, I love being a waiter,” he said. “You can change people’s day through jokes and everything.”
