IHOP worker fired for feeding a homeless man gets her job back

A Florida IHOP A worker who was fired for feeding a homeless man has been given her job back, according to local reports.

Victoria Hughes worked in a Lakeland, FloridaIHOP since 2013, but that all changed after a chance meeting on November 24.

According to WFLAa homeless man visited IHOP that day and said he was hungry. Hughes felt sorry for the man and brought him a stack of pancakes and water.

She told her manager that she had given the man a meal, but was surprised to see that it bothered him.

“He told me the reason he was upset was because this could cause a loitering problem… or a safety problem for customers,” Hughes told WFLA.

Victoria Hughes was fired from an IHOP in Lakeland, Florida, in November 2024 after feeding a homeless man who asked her for food. IHOP later offered her the job back (screengrab/GoFundMe)

Later that day, the man returned with a family who also bought him food.

Two days later, Hughes received a call from her manager. She was fired.

When asked, her manager blamed “company policy” for the decision.

In a statement to USA TODAYsaid franchisee Dan Enea that the company has investigated the situation and integrated a new training program for its employees to address food insecurity issues. Enea assured the outlet that IHOP is “committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all are welcome.”

“As part of our ongoing efforts to support those in need within our local community, we will continue to address food insecurity through our partnership with Feeding America and by donating to local Lakeland charities that also support this important cause,” said he.

In addition to the renewed attention to food insecurity, IHOP also offered Hughes her job back.

She said that after she spoke with WFLA, a corporate representative from IHOP contacted her and offered to not only reinstate her, but also compensate her for her missed work.

Hughes told WFLA she wasn’t sure if she would return to her old job. She had no regrets about feeding the man in need and said she would do it again even if it cost her her job.

“I need my job, but I would still do it,” she told WFLA. ‘I really would. I would still help someone if I could. If he had asked me for my shirt, I probably would have tried to give it to him too.”

Hughes launched a GoFundMe to keep her afloat during the holidays.