Got a response - they're on the "do not eat at" list as of now...
====
In that case, I will no longer be patronizing your restaurants. That is my choice.
You obviously do not respect, or value, us very much. Since I value my safety, I avoid businesses which advertise that their patrons are disarmed - these businesses, and anyone seen entering or exiting, are easy targets for robberies, attacks, etc., by the very people who choose not to pay attention to the signs - criminals.
I suspect that it is actually the criminals, the people who cannot pass the background checks required to receive a concealed weapons permit, who you are concerned about. If it'd make you feel better, why not just put up a sign that says that _illegally_ concealed weapons are not permitted? It'll have the same bottom line effect, but it won't alienate those of us who are NOT criminals.
If you actually think that a sign makes a difference in safety, next time you're on an interstate, drive the speed limit, and count the number of cars that pass you.
Looking back at the past year's receipts, I eat out way too much - probably over $100/week. Given your current policies, that $100 will no longer be spent at Hooter's.
-----Original Message-----
From: Hooters Support <
[email protected]>
Sent: Nov 3, 2003 3:44 PM
To:
[email protected]
Subject: RE: Signage
Dear Mr. Bogardus:
We at the Hooters Hotline received your comments today regarding our concealed weapons policy. Thank you for taking the time to send us your comments. Guest feedback is always welcome at Hooters.
In areas where concealed weapons are allowed, we do post a sign that says firearms and other weapons are not permitted on the premises. Thankfully, it is a choice we have the freedom to make. We respect those customers who decide not to patronize our business because of this decision.
We do hope that this information is helpful. However, if you would like more information about us, please visit us on the Web at
www.hootersofamerica.com.
Thanks so much for writing, Mr. Bogardus. We appreciate your interest and look forward to seeing you in one of our neighborhood restaurants soon.
Sincerely,
Stephen
Hooters Hotline...We give a Hoot!
P.S. Please retain your Thread ID in the message body. This will help us locate your information should you need us again.
[THREAD ID:1-52U0RZ]
-----Original Message-----
From:
[email protected]
Sent: 10/29/2003 2:30:35 PM
To: "Good Answer" <
[email protected]>
Subject: Signage
Alexis Aleshire
Marketing
Hooters of America
1815 The Exchange
Atlanta, GA 30339
-----Original Message-----
From: bogie [mailto:
[email protected]]
Sent: Wednesday, October 29, 2003 12:27 PM
To:
[email protected]
Cc: Alexis Aleshire
Subject: Signage
I've always liked Hooters - good food, cold beer, hot wings, not to mention my abiding affection for owls - in general a fun place.
But I won't be back.
At least until your restaurants remove the "no concealed weapons" signs. All this sign does is bar lawful permit holders, who are literally certified by law enforcement as being responsible adults with no criminal records, from entry. The sign will do nothing to bar criminals who, being criminals, won't pay attention to it anyway. Can you attest that all of your employees, from CEO on down to that fellow who wrestles around with those big bowls of wings, can prove that they're not criminals?
I'm in St. Louis, and we're currently in a legal battle to join the other 44 states, including Florida and Texas, who allow civilian concealed carry. These other states haven't had problems with civilian concealed carry, and I'm confident that Missouri will be no different. I don't mind if a Hooters is in the position of having 51% of its income from alcohol - that's the law, and should I decide to eat there, I won't have a problem with leaving a lawfully carried firearm in my automobile (after all, that's the 51/49 rule), but the moment that you decide _on your own_ that my business is not welcome, hey - I can find good food elsewhere. Granted, I may have to make a few compromises regarding wings, breasts (grin), etc., but that's the way it is. My personal safety, and the safety of my friends and family, is more important. When you put up one of those signs, you are announcing to the world that your restaurant, and the patrons, are easy targets for criminals. Are you prepared to increase security, both in restaurants and in parking lots?
While not a "regular," I am likely very representative of your target demographic. I'm the bachelor from hell, and regularly eat at local restaurants, Hooters prominently among them, often with friends who live nearby, anything from wings on, and until I hear differently, we'll likely be driving past Hooters to others who welcome our business.
Chuck Bogardus
)
