Baton Rouge Woman Alleges Discrimination, Emotional Distress at Stab's Prime Steakhouse

BATON ROUGE, La. — A recent visit to Stab's Prime Steakhouse and Seafood turned into a harrowing experience for Y'Mine McClanahan, a prominent community leader and NAACP officer, who claims she was subjected to discrimination and humiliation over her attire. The incident has sparked outrage and raised serious questions about the restaurant's dress code enforcement.

McClanahan, who had dressed in a floral crop top dress, intended to enjoy a meal at the upscale restaurant on Jefferson Highway. Instead, she was confronted by the restaurant's co-owner, who insisted that her outfit was "too revealing" and asked her to leave. The confrontation, captured on video and shared widely on social media, shows McClanahan visibly distressed as she questioned the co-owner's interpretation of the dress code.

"I felt utterly humiliated, violated, and deeply hurt," McClanahan recounted, her voice trembling with emotion. "I've never experienced such a public shaming. It was as though I was being judged not just for my clothes, but for my very being. The sense of alienation and shame was overwhelming."

The dress code at Stab's Prime requires business casual attire, explicitly banning gym wear, sweatpants, and revealing clothing. However, McClanahan pointed out a glaring inconsistency: the co-owner who enforced the dress code was herself dressed in a tank top, an item supposedly prohibited by the restaurant's own policy. McClanahan noted that she had previously worn the same outfit to the restaurant without issue, adding to her confusion and distress.

"The double standard was palpable," McClanahan said. "I couldn't understand why, on this occasion, my outfit was deemed unacceptable. It felt like a personal attack, and the emotional impact was profound. As a professional woman, I've always carried myself with dignity, and to be treated this way was not only humiliating but deeply painful."

Further complicating the situation, McClanahan shared video evidence of restaurant staff in what she described as provocative uniforms, including short shorts and fishnet tights. "It was like adding insult to injury," she explained. "If they're holding patrons to a specific standard, that same standard should apply to their staff. The hypocrisy was staggering."

In response to the backlash, the restaurant management issued a statement defending their dress code policy, claiming it had been in place for over three years. They acknowledged working on updating staff uniforms to align with the dress code but offered no apology or explanation for the incident with McClanahan.

The local NAACP chapter, of which McClanahan is an officer, has requested a meeting with the restaurant's management to discuss the incident and address broader concerns about equity and fair treatment.

"This isn't just about clothing; it's about respect and dignity," McClanahan emphasized, her voice firm with conviction. "No one should ever have to experience the humiliation and emotional distress that I did. This incident has left me deeply shaken, and I want to ensure that no one else goes through what I did."

McClanahan's ordeal has resonated with many in the community, underscoring the need for transparency and fairness in the enforcement of policies that impact individuals' sense of belonging and respect. Her story serves as a stark reminder of the power dynamics at play in public spaces and the importance of holding businesses accountable for their actions.