Wyoming Farmer's McDonald's Ban Lifted After Horse-Drawn Drive-Thru Incident
A Wyoming farmer who was dramatically banned from McDonald's after navigating the restaurant's drive-thru with a horse-drawn wagon has now been welcomed back by the fast-food giant. Allen Hatch, 53, found himself shunned from the popular eatery last week when he rode his horses, Coal and Onyx, up to the drive-thru window to collect his order.
Initial Ban and Managerial Concerns
Hatch, eager to enjoy a classic cheeseburger and fries, was met with immediate resistance from a manager who spotted him at the window. 'The one thing she was very clear about is what happens if they 's*** in my drive through, and there's no one to clean it up,' Hatch recounted to Cowboy State Daily, noting that he and his equine companions had been '86ed from McDonald's.' The manager cited company policy prohibiting livestock in the drive-thru due to liability concerns, leaving Hatch feeling unfairly excluded.
Public Outcry Leads to Reversal
Following widespread media coverage of the ban, McDonald's swiftly reversed its decision. Hatch received a 'personal, private apology' from a representative of Yellowstone McDonald's, which operates 16 locations across Wyoming and Montana. 'That ban has since been rescinded. I was offered one free meal for the entire family. I was also told they are retraining their employees, so any legal form of transportation is allowed through the drive-thru,' Hatch shared, highlighting the company's commitment to inclusivity.
Community Support and Training Context
The incident sparked overwhelming community backing, with Hatch remarking, 'The community support, across the state, has been staggering.' Other local businesses, upon hearing of the controversy, also extended invitations to Hatch and his horses. The drive-thru visit was part of a training exercise for Coal and Onyx, aged 12 and 13, whom Hatch purchased last year from a farm near Chattanooga, Tennessee. He uses the pair to pull a road-legal 'people hauler' wagon capable of carrying up to 18 passengers, complete with a 'Slow Moving Vehicle' sign.
'It's about making sure they're traffic safe,' Hatch explained. 'The McDonald's trip was ancillary to wondering how they'd do, and they did really well.' Despite months of preparation, Hatch noted that the horses 'speak a little bit of a different language than most of the local teamsters,' requiring mutual adaptation.
No Immediate Return Planned
Despite the lifted ban, Hatch has no plans to revisit the McDonald's franchise soon. 'After that experience, I won't be blessing them with my presence again,' he stated, reflecting on the initial rejection. A worker at the Powell McDonald's location, who wished to remain anonymous, confirmed the policy shift, saying, 'To my knowledge, we just ask that horses don't come through the Drive Thru,' while adding, 'We live in Wyoming,' acknowledging the region's rural character.
This episode underscores the clash between traditional rural practices and corporate policies, ultimately resolved through public engagement and adaptive measures.
