Wimpy's Diner in Scarborough under investigation after woman alleges racist treatment
A Toronto resident documented a confrontation with staff over a poster she says contains 1930s racist imagery. The diner's corporate office has not responded to requests for comment.
The day's top stories, food & events — every morning at 7. Unsubscribe anytime.
A Scarborough Wimpy's Diner is being investigated after a Toronto resident alleged she was threatened and mistreated when she objected to imagery she believes is racist.
Katrina Jessica Brown documented the encounter on TikTok videos that have drawn widespread online attention. She says she questioned a poster displayed in the restaurant and asked staff to cover it up, but was dismissed rudely and threatened by an employee.
"They're like 'Oh my God, whatever. Get out of here, I'll cut you, I'll slice you," Brown said, describing her interaction with the staff member. The exchange made her feel unsafe.
Brown argues the poster originates from a 1930s racist vaudeville tradition and questioned its presence in the restaurant. In one video, she highlights the poster while capturing part of the interaction with staff. Some viewers claimed in the comments that they heard an employee use a racial slur, though this could not be independently verified.
Wimpy's Diner said there was "no mistreatment" and referred questions to its corporate office, which had not responded by publication. Brown says she called police, who took her phone number but did not follow up. She also contacted the corporation directly and says they messaged her to arrange a meeting, though she claims the conversation focused on the poster rather than the alleged mistreatment.
Brown is continuing to advocate for change, using the incident to inspire a community event aimed at promoting diversity and challenging racism.
The facts
What did the woman allege happened at Wimpy's Diner in Scarborough?
Katrina Jessica Brown alleged she was threatened and mistreated by staff after objecting to a poster she believed contained racist imagery. She says an employee told her 'I'll cut you, I'll slice you' when she asked staff to cover up the poster.
What is the poster at Wimpy's Diner according to the woman's claim?
Katrina Jessica Brown argues the poster originates from a 1930s racist vaudeville tradition.
How did the woman document the incident?
Katrina Jessica Brown documented the encounter on TikTok videos that drew widespread online attention, including one video where she highlighted the poster while capturing part of the interaction with staff.
What was Wimpy's Diner's response?
Wimpy's Diner said there was 'no mistreatment' and referred questions to its corporate office, which had not responded by the time the article was published.
