Falcons Star Grady Jarrett Cites Racism In Atlanta Restaurant Snub

Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett is one of the most recognizable faces in the city. However, that didn't stop one of Atlanta's most high-end restaurants from denying service to him at the door.

Grady Jarrett

The Buckhead-area restaurant, Le Bilboquet, has a strict dress code that does not allow sweat pants or athletic attire.

“I was embarrassed.”@AtlantaFalcons Defensive End @GradyJarrett says he was denied service at #LeBilboquet restaurant in Buckhead because of the way he was dressed. The restaurant has a dress code.
Hear from Grady and from restaurant management, beginning at 4 on Ch. 2.@wsbtv pic.twitter.com/PdoOgdGNMR
— Audrey Washington (@AudreyWSBTV) April 21, 2022

In a picture shown by WSB Channel 2 reporter Audrey Washington, Jarrett appeared to be wearing a green sweat suit, which would put him out of the restaurant's dress code.

But Jarrett claimed on his Twitter account that he was not treated fairly because other restaurant customers were also out of dress code, but were allowed service.

I would agree if I was the only one there in the attire. Thx former Clemson Alum , Do some research like I wish I had done on the previous problems this establishment has dealt with. Just spreading awareness my guy. #GoTigers https://t.co/8FenulUvvx
— Grady Jarrett (@GradyJarrett) April 21, 2022

"I would agree if I was the only one there in the attire," Jarrett tweeted, claiming he was "turned away because of the color of my skin.''

This isn't the first time this restaurant has denied service to a high-profile athlete. In May 2021, Atlanta Hawks legend and Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins was denied service for not following the dress code.

In my many years in the world, I’ve eaten at some of the greatest restaurants in the world, but never have I felt prejudice or been turned away because of the color of my skin, until today in #atlanta In @LeBilboquetAtl #turnedawaybecauseimblack pic.twitter.com/vh7zuyxH0K
— Dominique Wilkins 🏀 (@DWilkins21) May 22, 2021

Wilkins said that the dress code policy was not the full reason why he was denied service, but that his kicking out was racially motivated.

Grady Jarrett

Restaurant manager Martin Theis was not around when Jarrett attended the restaurant, but maintained that he was denying Jarrett service because he violated the dress code, not because of his race.

“We never like upsetting people with the dress code, but it’s something that we do need to maintain,” Theis told Channel 2 WSB.

Jarrett has been in Atlanta this week, but has not been attending the team's voluntary workouts at the team's facility in nearby Flowery Branch.