The case of the bitten burger

A cheeseburger was taken into evidence by the Gaffney Police Department (GPD) on Sunday night after claims by a local family that the sandwich was tampered with before it was delivered to them.

Gaffney residents Brian and Lynn Allison have filed a complaint with the GPD, claiming someone bit into a cheeseburger they purchased at the McDonald's drive-through on Floyd Baker Boulevard. Lynn Allison said the sandwich was part of a happy meal to be fed to her 2-year-old child.

"I would have never believed something like this would have ever happened," she said. "I'm just thankful we found out when we did instead of merely feeding it blindly to our child."

According to the report, Brian states that he went through the drive-through and bought several burgers. He said the couple discovered the bite mark at their home.

The Allisons said they called several organizations, including the Cherokee County Health Department and the city police department.

The couple also said they have gotten no satisfaction with officials at the eatery.

"I have called and spoken with everyone from the manager to the owner," Lynn said. "But they tell me it could not have happened and from the looks of things there was a tear in the bread. However, it is very clear that these are teeth marks as a result of the burger being bitten into."

While the Allisons maintain that someone at the restaurant tampered with their food, the restaurant's owner, Bill Mason, stands behind his employees.

"There is no way for her to prove that we did this and unfortunately I cannot prove that anyone here did not bite into the sandwich," Mason said. "For all we know, (Brian Allison) her husband who picked up the food could have bitten into it. But that is something that we probably will never know for sure."

Mason said he spoke with employees at the restaurant after being advised of the complaint.

"I spoke with them and they told me nothing like this could ever happen, especially during our dinner hours, which tend to be our busiest times," Mason said.

Mason said he attempted to reach out to the couple and offered to replace their food.

"I have done everything to try to settle this situation, offering to replace the food and do anything to help her," Mason said. "But she is determined to find out who did this and my concessions are not being heard. At this moment, I have no idea what I can do to help this situation."