The popular Buffalo-based taco company Lloyd is apologizing for serving lunch to workers at the federal detention facility in Batavia. In a tweet Thursday morning, Lloyd says it made "an honest mistake" and a "lapse in judgment" in serving the facility, which detains undocumented immigrants when they are arrested.
The company, which operates several food trucks and two restaurants, says it received the request weeks ago and processed it using its standard procedure. It says that procedure is now being updated "to ensure future truck stops and events align with our company's values."
We're sorry. pic.twitter.com/chKkSGwwBr— lloyd (@whereslloyd) October 24, 2019
Lloyd's tweeted schedule, including the visit to the facility, on Wednesday led to condemnation on Twitter, while the company's apology on Thursday drew praise from many. Sen. Rob Ortt, however, criticized Lloyd for its apology.
"In what world does a company feel the need to apologize for serving food to federal law enforcement officers who work in dangerous conditions? Pathetic pandering. The men and women who work to enforce our immigration laws and protect us deserve better," the North Tonawanda Republican said, in a tweet.
Lloyd, which ushered in Buffalo's food truck movement as the city's first mobile eatery in 2010, goes on to say it has deep ties to Buffalo's immigrant and refugee communities, including work with organizations like the International Institute of Buffalo and Jericho Road. It is donating all sales from Wednesday's lunch to the group Justice for Migrant Families WNY.
The statement concludes, "We're sorry, Buffalo. You deserve better."
WBFO has reached out to Lloyd for further comment.
Copyright 2019 WBFO
