Bloomin’ Brands Inc., the parent company of Outback Streakhouse, has apologized to a uniformed officer who was told to leave its “gun-free zone.”

Andrew Ward of the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency was eating with his wife in Cleveland, Tennessee, last Friday when an Outback Steakhouse manager approached. A customer who claimed to be “scared for her life” wanted the officer — and his gun — out of her presence.

“I was approached by the manager and asked if I would put my gun in my truck,” Mr. Wardwrote on Facebook, a local ABC affiliate reported Saturday. “I let her know that I couldn’t because I was in uniform. She then went and made a call and came back and we were asked to leave because Outback is a gun free zone. Note: I don’t blame the manager … but this is ridiculous and we will never go back there ever again.”

“What is this country coming to?” the officer continued. “A uniformed Law Enforcement Officer who is sworn to protect and serve the public, is refused service because they have a firearm! I am disgusted and have no other words!”

Media attention prompted an apology from Bloomin’ Brands shortly afterward.

“We’ve always allowed uniformed law enforcement officers to carry their side arms inside our restaurants,” the company told the station in a statement. “A manager made a mistake, and we have discussed this with her. We have contacted the guest personally and apologized.”

Mr. Ward will also receive a $100 gift card.

“Again, I don’t blame the manager in this situation,” Mr. Ward added. “Folks, we need to turn our attention to people like this who try and push their agenda on all those around them. When an entire restaurant full of other happy people were completely fine with my presence. As a country we need to stand up for each other as so many who have shared this post have done. I am truly humbled by the support we received.”