Editor’s Note: This article has been updated from its initial edition to include comments from an Acme spokesperson about the status of the strike. Previous updates included providing further demands of strike organizers, giving a more detailed timeline of events surrounding sexual misconduct allegations and more accurately reflecting the length of the strike.
The Acme Food & Beverage Company in Carrboro recently closed to dine-in customers. Now, its workers have publicly shared they are on strike.
On Friday, Acme staff posted a statement saying they are on strike against the restaurant’s management, citing unfair labor practices. According to the strike’s organizers, the owner of the restaurant abused his power and engaged in sexual misconduct. While the group is now going public with their goals, organizers told Chapelboro workers privately began the strike on November 26.
Acme staff said management was made aware of the allegations on November 17. Organizers of the strike also alleged one manager was forced to quit on November 21 after supporting the staff’s complaints.
On Sunday, Acme strike organizers started an Instagram page for the strike. The page reiterated the group’s goals and provided an updated timeline of events regarding the strike.
“Despite Herculean attempts to work privately with management to resolve our issues, Acme has remained completely silent on all fronts throughout this whole process,” a post on the page said.
Organizers also said there were attempts by management to “stifle our grievances,” regarding chef and owner Kevin Callaghan’s misconduct.
The strike demands Callaghan not be allowed on the premises of Acme and the appointment of a human resources officer to address sexual misconduct in the workplace. It also asks for efforts to retain and hire BIPOC staff and an official apology for unjust practices from the restaurant’s leadership, Damn Good Foods LLC.
Along with Acme Food & Beverage Company, Damn Good Foods LLC includes Plum Southern Kitchen, Carrboro United, The Lumina Theater and Atlas Bar.
An Acme spokesperson told 97.9 The Hill they have issued an official response to the workers on strike and are working toward a resolution. The spokesperson said many of the demands from those on strike are dependent on the conclusions of an independent investigation into Callaghan’s behavior and labor practices. They said they expected the investigation to conclude in mid-January.
Acme also said the restaurant has always been committed to employing a diverse staff and will continue reaching out to organizations connecting minority communities with job opportunities.
The spokesperson said Acme leadership believes workers went on strike prior to issuing demands of the strike.
Acme staff have asked for financial support while the restaurant remains closed through a GoFundMe fundraiser.
Acme staff issued a statement and a GoFundMe fundraiser regarding unfair treatment in the workplace (Photo shared via Twitter).
“After numerous attempts by management to suppress our demands and unjustly prolong the strike litigation process, we have decided to ask the community for financial support,” Batty wrote in a GoFundMe post.
As of Tuesday, the staff has raised more than $5,800 through the GoFundMe page to help cover worker expenses while the restaurant remains closed.
According to the strike Instagram page, Acme staff has raised about $7,000 total. The page said much of the money raised will go to workers with children who rely on Acme wages as their primary income.
Acme’s dining room is closed, according to its website. The restaurant will offer to-go meals through its website.
Acme told 97.9 The Hill the restaurant has extended an offer to the staff on strike to come back to work. The restaurant said it is committed to reopening.
The restaurant said the timing of its reopening is dependent on how quickly they can hire enough workers to offer full service.
The Acme dining room was also closed the weekend of November 26 due to “unforeseen circumstances,” according to their social media post. The restaurant continues to offer to-go meals Wednesday through Sunday through its website.
Callaghan has operated Acme Food & Beverage Company for more than 20 years. The Southern American restaurant has been located in downtown Carrboro since 1998.
Photo via Acme Carrboro on Facebook.
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