A Michigan man recently shared his distressing experience of being fired from his longtime job at Ruby Tuesday following Christmas, after 19 years of dedicated service, including a rise to the position of general manager.
Jeff Cook took to TikTok to share his story, which has garnered an impressive 4 million views. The video details the events surrounding his dismissal and has led to significant backlash against Ruby Tuesday, with calls for boycotts from loyal customers.
Cook was tasked with keeping the restaurant open on Christmas Day, a difficult decision that meant missing time with his family. With many staff members away for winter break and the absence of holiday pay incentives, Cook asked for volunteers to work the shift. Ultimately, a small team of four, including Cook, took on the challenge and performed remarkably well during the busy holiday, fulfilling numerous to-go orders as the only restaurant open in town.
Despite the successful shift, Cook was unexpectedly terminated shortly after. The firing left him devastated, as he now faces a challenging job market while looking for a position that matches his extensive management experience. In a follow-up video, Cook expressed his appreciation for the support he received from viewers, asking for “good vibes” and sharing his gratitude for the community’s response.
In reaction to Cook’s story, many commenters on TikTok offered job leads and legal advice, while others expressed their intention to boycott Ruby Tuesday and other establishments under its parent company, NRD Capital. The mounting negative sentiment reflects broader concerns over the company’s treatment of employees, as several viewers recounted similar experiences of abrupt job terminations.
As Cook navigates his job search, he remains hopeful. His story is not just one of loss, but also of community support and resilience in the face of adversity. As his TikTok updates continue to resonate with viewers, Cook has expressed gratitude for the encouragement and suggestions he has received, indicating a positive outlook for his future endeavors.