Louisiana Woman Turned Away from Local Steakhouse Over ‘Inappropriate Attire’

Y'Mine McClanahan was asked to leave Stab's Prime Steak and Seafood last week due to what the restaurant deemed "inappropriate attire." The incident has sparked a heated debate on social media and attracted significant public attention including a feature on Inside Edition.

McClanahan visited Stab's for lunch with a friend, looking forward to enjoying charbroiled shrimp. However, her meal plans were abruptly halted when co-owner Dori Murvin informed her that her two-piece floral outfit—a tube top and maxi skirt—violated the restaurant's dress code. According to McClanahan, Murvin suggested she wear a jacket to cover up, but she did not have one with her, leading to her being asked to leave.

Feeling humiliated, McClanahan took to Facebook to share her experience. Her post quickly went viral, receiving thousands of shares and comments. In her post, McClanahan pointed out that the restaurant's waitstaff often wore revealing outfits, which seemed inconsistent with the dress code being enforced on her.

The NAACP Baton Rouge Branch, led by President Tia Mills and Louisiana NAACP State Conference President Michael W. McClanahan (who is also Y'Mine's father), issued a statement requesting a meeting with Stab's management to discuss the incident. They emphasized the need for a dialogue to prevent similar occurrences in the future and to restore trust between the community and the restaurant.

In response to the controversy, Stab's released a statement reiterating their long-standing dress code policy, which prohibits gym wear, sweatpants, tank tops, clothing with offensive graphics or language, exposed undergarments, cut-off shorts, torn jeans, and flip-flops. Co-owner Kevin Kimball clarified that the dress code is posted on their website and has been in effect for over three years. He acknowledged that the restaurant is working on updating staff uniforms to align with the dress code standards expected of patrons.

Despite the restaurant's statement, many on social media questioned the fairness and consistency of the policy enforcement. Photos and videos shared online showed Stab's servers wearing crop tops and short shorts, which many argued were more revealing than McClanahan's outfit.

Many have pointed to broader issues of racial and gender bias as McClanahan expressed her frustration at feeling singled out and humiliated.

"I hate to make it a race issue, but sometimes as a Black woman, you're almost made to feel like you have to prove that you deserve to be in spaces," McClanahan said. "I should not have to go anywhere and feel as though I have to prove it. It should be automatic because I'm a human being."

Support for McClanahan has poured in from across the country, with many people expressing solidarity and calling for accountability.

The incident has also sparked discussions about the importance of equitable treatment and respect in public spaces.

Stab's Prime Steak and Seafood has yet to comment on the request for a meeting from the NAACP Baton Rouge Branch.

According to a post from McClanahan, she intends to assemble on a sidewalk near Stab's to protest being asked to leave due to her choice of attire.