Truckers accuse Denny's in Sioux Falls of denying service because of race

Federal lawsuit accuses restaurant chain of civil rights violations

Two long-haul truckers who stopped in Sioux Falls have sued the Denny’s restaurant chain, alleging they were denied service because of their race.

Damon Whitfield and Hector Madera were on their way back to their home state of Pennsylvania with a load from Seattle when they stopped at the Pilot Flying J gas station and truck stop off of the Interstate 29 and 90 interchange on Aug. 13, 2023. The two stopped there, according to their complaint, to rest, shower and eat at the Denny’s restaurant located there. Both are African Americans.

While Madera showered at Flying J, Whitfield went to Denny’s to order breakfast for the pair so they could eat before resuming their journey. He was greeted “half-heartedly,” according to their complaint, by a waitress who seated him, gave him menus and took his drink order, bringing him orange juice. He then waited to put in a food order.