Did Rosebud Restaurant Fire Cancer-Stricken Employee Because He Requested Time Off for Surgery?

Jonathan Larson, stricken with cancer in his brain and spine, has endured rounds and rounds of radiation. But when Larson told his manager at Naperville’s Rosebud restaurant he would need time off for surgery, the teen claims the upscale dining establishment took away his job.

Larson, who’s 19, delivers food for Rosebud, a Chicago-area favorite that specializes in Italian cuisine. Larson told NBC Chicago that he needs six weeks off for back surgery.

When he went to his boss, the lack of understanding left him “saddened” and “demeaned.”

“[He] said, ‘You’re just going to leave me high and dry like that?’” Larson explained, and the manager went on to say: “No, by that time I’ll already have another driver hired. Just leave, I have to make some phone calls.”

Larson said the radiation has weakened his back and spine and he has a difficult time standing for extended periods.

He met with NBC Chicago on the street outside the restaurant to tell his side of the story.

Rosebud declined to comment on Larson’s situation, but released a statement saying the company would investigate.

“For more than 36 years Rosebud has been successful through the hard work of our employees,” the statement read. “We are thoroughly investigating this matter to determine if our processes and protocols were appropriately followed. Rosebud proudly serves the Chicagoland community and considers it our mission to treat all employees fairly.”

On its website, Rosebud includes prominent mention of its charitable and civic activities in a section titled “Giving Back.”

When the company’s investigation is over, what would Larson want to hear back?

“I would love an apology,” he told NBC. “It would go a long way to make me feel better about the situation.”

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