Alabama Handel's Ice Cream closes, company apologizes for social media post

HUNTSVILLE, AL - A Handel's Ice Cream location in Huntsville, Alabama has suspended operations after social media posts by an alleged employee have surfaced.
Handel's posted a statement on their Facebook page saying they "strongly condemn offensive statements and posts from one of our franchisees, which in no way represent the values of our organization."
While the company statement did not directly refer to a specific post, screenshots of an alleged post from 2015 have spread online in the last 24 hours.
The post was made by an alleged franchisee and used multiple racial slurs.
After the post surfaced, Handel's announced the decision to suspend operations at the Huntsville location. The company says they are working to determine the next steps for that store.
Handel's ended the statement by saying they believe black lives matter and they stand with the black community and for equality, justice, unity, love and compassion.
Handel's was founded back in 1945 in Youngstown but has grown to include franchises in other areas.
You can see the full company statement below.