Six-year-old E.J. Paterson walked into a Rocky Mount, N.C. McDonald’s on Friday afternoon and

E.J. has autism and the franchise owner offered him unlimited fries for a year, after his mom said the boy was made to feel unwelcome at a nearby restaurant.

received a warm welcome. Several of his family members and corporate heads were there. People were taking his picture, as his mom proudly looked on.

“It is a blessing,” said his mom, Latonya Whitaker. “I am very grateful.”

E.J., like other kids on the spectrum, is picky when it comes to food. Texture plays a big role. He recently found something he likes eating and can hold down in his stomach – McDonald’s French fries.

Mom got the child fries Friday and then drove over to the Golden Corral, where the rest of her family was going to grab lunch. She explained her son’s dietary needs and said that instead of the staff being receptive, they were dismissive.

The Golden Corral has apologized and called the incident an “unfortunate misunderstanding.”

Read the story at ABC EyeWitness News