[el ess A]

Without a stipulation of bonafide occupational qualification, contract, or a written dress code violation, it appears on the surface the owner was being spiteful and out of line according to U.S. labor laws. Illinois is not a right to work state, so the owner could be treading in disparate treatment violations if it wasn't performance related and/or documented. It would take more investigation, but if it was a publicity stunt, it backfired, or should backfire, in the owner's face.

But it's water under the bridge now, since the guy got a new job out of the deal. That owner that fired him is an idiot.