Top Dog took the buns away from a worker in one of California's most liberal bastions after he was “outed” on social media as a Charlottesville white supremacist protester.
The Berkeley-based hot dog eatery announced that Cole White had “voluntarily” resigned after photos emerged showing him taking part in a white supremacists pre-rally at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville on Friday.
The photos showed about 100 participants, all carrying tiki torches, marching along the university campus, reportedly while chanting Nazi slogans.
Vox said the gathering was a preliminary to the “Unite the Right” rally, which turned violent on Saturday when participants clashed with counter protestors.
White was outed on Twitter by @YesYoureRacist, an account run by Logan Smith, which has been on a mission to identify rally participants and their employers, while also posting images and other related content.
USA Today said that, hours after learning of White’s involvement in the gathering, Top Dog posted fliers in its eateries confirming the termination of his employment.
“Effective Saturday 12th August, Cole White no longer works at Top Dog,” the fliers read.
“The actions of those in Charlottesville are not supported by Top Dog. We believe in individual freedom and voluntary association for everyone."
Top Dog officials told CBS the chain had spoken to White and he voluntarily chose to resign.
“There have been reports that he was terminated,” the company said, emphasizing that was false, along with accusations it employed racists.
“We pride ourselves on embracing and respecting all our differences and every individual’s choice to do as that person wishes within the boundaries of the law,” Top Dog officials told CBS.
“We do respect our employees’ right to their opinions. They are free to make their own choices, but must accept the responsibilities of those choices.”