Veteran fired from Cracker Barrel for giving homeless man a muffin

A 73-year-old Vietnam veteran from Florida says he was fired from his job at Cracker Barrel for giving away a muffin -- a reason that doesn't seem good enough to many customers, the Daily Mail reports.

Joe Koblenzer worked at Cracker Barrel for more three years to supplement his Social Security benefits. Koblenzer told WWSB he was fired after a man who looked homeless came in asking for free condiments.

KOBLENZER: "I got it for him. As I walked out, I put a corn muffin in it.
REPORTER: "That gesture apparently cost Joe his job."
KOBLENZER: "The general manager said to me, 'Bad news Joe - we're going to have to let you go.'"

Koblenzer admitted he'd been written up multiple times in the past for similar incidents, and he says rules are rules.

But the story isn't going away as quietly on social media, with angry comments still filing in on the restaurant's Facebook page.

WWSB reports late Wednesday a spokesperson for Cracker Barrel released a statement saying: "During the time he was employed, he violated the Company's policies regarding consuming food without paying or giving away free food, on five separate occasions. On the fifth occasion, again per Company policy, Mr. Koblenzer was terminated. Cracker Barrel is grateful for and honors Mr. Koblenzer's service to our country as we honor all service men and women and their families."

Koblenzer is now reportedly looking for a new job.
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