A vegetarian-friendly restaurant in
Houston, Texas, ran an offensive sign on its marquee this weekend
comparing domestic beer to domestic violence.
‘Beer should be like violence: domestic,’ Roots Bistro’s controversial sign read, sparking outrage across the Internet.
The backlash came almost instantaneously, causing the restaurant to remove the sign within 10 minutes.
‘Shame on you for that sign.
Shame, shame, shame,’ one angry viewer wrote on the restaurant’s
Facebook page among a flood of similar comments, according to Houston Press.
Another agitated viewer wrote: ‘Recommendation: Take the sign down, apologize and contact HAWC for badly needed training on the horrors of domestic violence.’
The restaurant then added insult to injury and sparked more fury with a sign on the same marquee that read: ‘Seriously, focus your energy on equal rights.’
Andrea Greer of the blog Nonsequiteuse
wrote: ‘The tone of this sign, needless to say, doesn't suggest genuine
contrition so much as "get over it, ladeez, we're just making a joke,
so focus on what really matter, "mkay?"’
‘I'm pretty sure Roots Bistro has now lost the benefit of doubt with most people who see this,’ she added.
The restaurant later posted a new sign on its marquee that read: ‘Sorry a million times over Houston.’
‘Everyone makes mistakes,’ one manager on duty, who identified himself as Kenneth, told Houston Press. ‘We completely deserved the backlash, and I can't be mad at anyone but myself.’
An unnamed general manager at Roots Bistro later posted a public apology via mobile phone on the company’s Facebook page.
‘As the General Manager of Roots Bistro I would like to formally apologize for our recent signage . In no way would we ever ever promote violence on any level. We work tirelessly to support the people and organizations in this city and would never want to hurt or offend anyone,’ the manager’s comment read.
‘I
applaud and support the passion displayed by people who believe in this
cause, and fully support you in this. During the time that we have been
open, we have supported many organizations and charities, including
local women's shelters, and will continue to do so. I sincerely hope
that you will accept my apology and continue the fight to support your
cause!’
Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women between the ages of 15 and 44 in the United States, more than car accidents, muggings and rapes combined, according to a Senate judiciary report.
‘Beer should be like violence: domestic,’ Roots Bistro’s controversial sign read, sparking outrage across the Internet.
The backlash came almost instantaneously, causing the restaurant to remove the sign within 10 minutes.
Tasteless advertising: 'Beer should be like
violence: domestic,' Roots Bistro¿s controversial sign read, sparking
outrage across the Internet
Another agitated viewer wrote: ‘Recommendation: Take the sign down, apologize and contact HAWC for badly needed training on the horrors of domestic violence.’
The restaurant then added insult to injury and sparked more fury with a sign on the same marquee that read: ‘Seriously, focus your energy on equal rights.’
Initial defense: The restaurant added insult to
injury and sparked more fury with a sign on the same marquee that read:
'Seriously, focus your energy on equal rights'
‘I'm pretty sure Roots Bistro has now lost the benefit of doubt with most people who see this,’ she added.
The restaurant later posted a new sign on its marquee that read: ‘Sorry a million times over Houston.’
‘Everyone makes mistakes,’ one manager on duty, who identified himself as Kenneth, told Houston Press. ‘We completely deserved the backlash, and I can't be mad at anyone but myself.’
An unnamed general manager at Roots Bistro later posted a public apology via mobile phone on the company’s Facebook page.
‘As the General Manager of Roots Bistro I would like to formally apologize for our recent signage . In no way would we ever ever promote violence on any level. We work tirelessly to support the people and organizations in this city and would never want to hurt or offend anyone,’ the manager’s comment read.
Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women between the ages of 15 and 44 in the United States, more than car accidents, muggings and rapes combined, according to a Senate judiciary report.
Public apology: The restaurant later posted a new sign on its marquee that read: 'Sorry a million times over Houston'