Rosebud Says Delivery Driver Who Needs Surgery Can Have His Job Back

Rosebud restaurant in Naperville says Jonathan Larson can keep his job as a delivery driver.

The announcement came Sunday evening on the restaurant’s Facebook page after a weekend of public vitriol in reaction to news reports that Larson lost his job after telling his manager he needed six weeks off for back surgery.

“This afternoon, we spoke with the Larson family and confirmed that Jon Larson’s job will be waiting for him when he completes his treatment,” Rosebud posted on Facebook. Larson has been treated for spinal and brain cancer. Radiation has weakened his back, which is why he needs surgery. “Rosebud always strives to treat its employees and customers as family but, in this case, we did not live up to our own expectations. Like so many, we have been inspired by Jon Larson’s personal strength and perseverance in his battle to beat cancer. We hope Mr. Larson makes a full and speedy recovery and returns to his job with Rosebud soon.”

The 19-year-old from south suburban Beecher told NBC Chicago that his surgery will take place next month, but he’s not sure whether he will accept the offer to return to Rosebud. All the same, he said on his own Facebook page that he expects to be meeting with the manager who fired him and other Rosebud officials within the next few days.

“I appreciate the job offer and commend corporate for extending the invitation to return,” he said.

His mother, Debbie Sitko of Beecher, is satisfied with the outcome. The family spoke with restaurant management on Sunday.

“Thank you Rosebud for reaching out to Jonathan and our family to offer Jonathan his job back,” she wrote on Rosebud’s Facebook page. “We appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to the upcoming meeting. Our hope is that this issue is put to rest now that all matters have been resolved between Jonathan and Rosebud.”

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

Many customers and other members of the public have been outspoken in their criticism of Rosebud. Some say they’ll never dine at Rosebud again. And others say the manager who told her son to take a hike should be the one to lose his job.

Larson told NBC Chicago the manager’s response to the requested time off for surgery was “You’re just going to leave me high and dry like that?. ... No, by that time I’ll already have another driver hired. Just leave, I have to make some phone calls.”

Sitko wants people to know the restaurant owner is trying to make amends.

“Life is too short to hold grudges. Yes, I was angry along with disappointed and sad for my son,” she wrote to her Facebook friends. “The company reached out to my son along with our family and we feel their words are genuine! It is sad how quickly something bad spreads like wildfire and since the attempt of good has been done, that is just as important.

“Our family appreciates the support we have received the past few days! It’s overwhelming and certainly unexpected! What kind of example would we be if not forgiving? My son never once voiced to me that he wants this manager fired. Really what good is that? An apology goes a long, long way!

“Too many people want something for nothing and that is not the case here. My son was PROUD while earning his money. That’s just who and how we live! Thank you and everyone for your support!”

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