Philadelphia Bar General Manager Walt Wyrsta Accused in Class-Action Lawsuit of Saying "No Black People" Welcome

Popular Philadelphia bar, McFadden's accused of racism in class-action civil rights lawsuit, alleging general manager said "no black people."

Cafe at restaurant with separate entrances for blacks & whites

For all you African Americans living in Philadelphia, please note: McFadden's Restaurant and Saloon in Old City don't want your money. Why? According to Philly.com, a class-action civil rights lawsuit was filed Wednesday in the U.S. district court in Philadelphia, accusing the bar's general manager Walt Wyrsta of racism. He allegedly texted to Kathryn Killian, another manager, "We don't want black people we are a white bar!"

Patrons can't wear "excessively baggy" clothes, hats or work boots at McFadden's Restaurant and Saloon, on 3rd Street near Willow, in Old City. Chains and pendants have to be tucked in, just not inside plain, white T-shirts, hooded sweatshirts or athletic jerseys.

The suit, filed on behalf of bartender Michael L. Bolden, claims that McFadden's and its parent company, East Coast Saloons, have created a culture where "racism and racial segregation are not only tolerated, but mandated."

According to the complaint, only five of the bar's 75 employees are black, including Bolden and the "man and woman who work in the bathroom handing out towels." Bolden, 29, is a full-time lawyer with the nonprofit Community Legal Services, and has been employed at McFadden's since 2007. Source: Philly.com

Personally, I hate to see young men walking around with their pants sagging. It's just nasty, so I don't have so much of an issue with that. But the accusations of racism are serious and warrant a boycott of the bar by all patrons. I can't help but think back to the atmosphere in the Deep South when blacks had separate entrances and couldn't dine in any restaurant they desired. Is this the atmosphere McFadden's and its parent company are trying to bring back? Shameful.