Politics

Wisc. Bar That Allegedly ‘Banned’ Conservatives Tells Its Side of the Story

Yesterday, The Blaze reported on the alleged “banning” of a group of six conservatives from a Wisconsin bar because one was wearing a “Scott Walker My Hero” t-shirt.

As the event was described by the group, they arrived at the bar around 1am, showed their IDs, and were told to have a good time.  Close to an hour-and-a-half later, as they were on their way out, the same bouncer who checked their IDs told them that because of the Scott Walker shirt, they were no longer welcome at the bar.

(Related: Wis. Bar Allegedly Bans Pro-Walker Group from Returning)

Update: Wisconsin Bar That Banned Conservatives Tells its Story

(Photo: B & D Embroidery)

We noted yesterday that reports were unclear as to what exactly the bouncer said:

A woman named Joanna Langworthy, who was one of the six, wrote on her blog that ‘the doorman said to never come back, due to wearing gear promoting Governor Scott Walker,’ while Facebook and earlier reports suggest ‘don’t come back here wearing that crap again’ was the phrase employed.  Others maintain the bouncer said, ‘the next time you come here do not wear that shirt…my owner does not want that kind of stuff here.’

The group then publicized its interaction with the bar over Facebook, and it was picked up by local radio shows.

Though Rox Bar and Grille did not respond to The Blaze before the original article was published, they have since reached out to give their side of the story, even providing video evidence that may contradict some of the claims laid against them.

The bar tells its story

The bar is primarily run by four people: the two owners, Peter (58) and Dennis (62) Hronis who are immigrant brothers from Greece, their daughter, and their son-in-law, Dino Giacomantonio.

According to Giacomantonio, who was running the bar that night, the Scott Walker t-shirt was potentially offensive because the back read, “He’s Got Nads.”  He maintains he just wanted to keep a welcoming and peaceful environment for everyone.

So, after he was informed of the political and potentially offensive nature of the shirt, he asked the security guard to discreetly pull the man aside on his way out to politely say, “the next time [you] come in, we would appreciate it if [you] did not wear a political or offensive shirt.”

Security footage of the interaction appears to show the security guard doing just that (although there is no audio and the two eventually walk outside):

When The Blaze asked the bar whether it was possible that the bouncer had political motivations of his own and did not act with the tact requested, Giacomantonio replied that it was highly unlikely.  He described the bouncer, who is in his 60′s, as being like “everybody’s grandpa.”

The phone started “ringing off the hook”

No one at the bar thought twice about the event until Sunday afternoon, according to Nathan Sass (a friend of the owners who was authorized to speak for the bar). The Blaze interviewed Sass late Tuesday, but Sass also wrote out the bar’s version of events in a blog post:

The first knowledge the owners of Rox had of the subsequent controversy was when the phone began to ring repeatedly on Sunday afternoon, following a post on the Facebook page at 12:12 PM on Walker Backers Watching Walker Stalkers…alleging, falsely, that the bar had kicked out Walker supporters specifically and asked them never to return.  The calls were primarily rude, vulgar, and in some cases contained veiled or outright threats against the bar and its owners.

Update: Wisconsin Bar That Banned Conservatives Tells its Story

(Photo: Facebook)

Update: Wisconsin Bar That Banned Conservatives Tells its Story

(Photo: Facebook)

The group of six did try to contact the bar for clarification, as they have said, but — according to the bar — only after the event had been related on the pro-Walker Facebook page.  At that point, Giacomantonio said, the phone began “ringing off the hook” and they simply could not keep track of all the calls and continue running their business.

Sass adds:

Having discovered that the issue had exploded onto the internet, the owners quickly attempted to address the situation by posting a response to the bar’s Facebook page.  The statement was an attempt to explain the reasons for the decision to say something to Santo [who was wearing the shirt] regarding the political and potential offensive nature of his attire, and that the Rox Bar makes every effort to make all patrons feel welcomed, regardless of race, creed, color religion or political affiliation.

The statement garnered more than 500 comments in roughly 24 hours — many of which were people vowing to never return to the family-run bar again, and committing to tell everyone they knew about what had happened.  That was fueled partly by what the group of six wrote on the Walker Backers Watching Walker Stalkers page:

Since the owners of Rox refuse to apologize for the action of their employee, we have no other choice then [sic] to assume they approve of telling people after they spend their money, that they are not welcomed back.  With that in mind we have no other choice than to make this story be known to the masses starting with the Jerry Bader Show.

Update: Wisconsin Bar That Banned Conservatives Tells its Story

(Photo: Facebook)

The owners of Rox Bar and Grille repeatedly stated they are apolitical; they simply want to keep the bar a happy and comfortable place for everyone.  They claim to be neither “pro-recall nor pro-Walker,” and if anything, were only trying to avoid controversies like this in asking that politics not be brought in to the bar.

Giacomantonio, the son-in-law, told The Blaze: “Politics for me is nothing more than horrible…There’s nothing enjoyable for me about it.”  He said that had he known how the event would explode and negatively impact his family’s business, he never would have said anything.

“[They] put their faith in me to run this bar,” he added.

How does the group of six respond?

So what does the group have to say about the bar’s telling of events?

Langworthy wrote in an email to The Blaze: “The Rox Bar could have easily cleared up any alleged misunderstanding by replying to our private phone and email communication attempts.  This did not happen.”  Similarly, Jeff wrote: “We stand by our facts. We are trying to move on. We have made a statement as such [on the 'Walker Backers' site]. The owners could have told us at anytime what they believed happened if they returned our phone calls.”

The statement he’s referring to was posted on Walker Backers Watching Walker Stalkers late Tuesday night, and seemed to be an attempt to calm the situation:

I would like to issue a statement regarding the Rox Bar and Grille situation from this past Saturday night. On behalf of all of us conservatives who were there, we would like to thank our fellow patriots for all of your support. It was amazing to see grassroots social media come to the aid of a conservative cause. I suspect your supportive actions will make people think twice before they try to play politics within their place of business.

We do believe that the time has come to put this behind both us and Rox’s. We personally never called for a boycott of the establishment; after all, being a supporter of Governor Walker also means you are a supporter of Capitalism and of small business. Our main focus was to get an honest explanation and an apology from somebody associated with Rox’s, and although we still have issues with their second statement, we believe it was at least an attempt to reach out. We accept their apology at this point in time, and we will cease in talking to the media or making any other negative comments about this situation or about the Rox Bar and Grille. We do this because at the end of the day we are all Wisconsinites and the key to our economic future is small business. As someone who has been in the service industry almost his entire life I understand the stresses of balancing the books of a small business. We want to wish Rox’s the best of luck, and we hope our fellow conservatives in the area give them the benefit of the doubt and give the Rox Bar and Grille a second chance. Unlike the recall fanatics, we believe in giving people a chance to redeem themselves. [Emphasis added]

Update: Wisconsin Bar That Banned Conservatives Tells its Story

(Photo: Facebook)

As for the owners of the bar?  According to Sass, “The management is considering embracing politics in light of the circumstances in a constructive and entertaining manner going forward.”  They have also thanked the group for its statement late Tuesday night.

In the end, they say, they only wish to have their side “fairly presented,“ then move on and ”get their reputation back.”

Comments (37)

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  • drittzz
    Posted on March 29, 2012 at 3:19pm

    Free market And liberty
    sounds like it all worked out just as it should have. if the business fails it will be the owners fault. its bad business to add politics a that just what they did.

    Report Post »  
  • conservativejon
    Posted on March 29, 2012 at 7:38am

    first if all the bar has a right to denie acess to anyone. i supported the flower company that refused to do buisness with that athiest girl and i will support this bar.

    second the bar could just be trying to pervent a bar fight, wisconsin is a hot bed for political controversy alcohol+politics=fight.

    third, dont use the lefts tactics ie boycotts. i hate when libs use them and we shouldnt lower ourselves to their level.

    that said its good to see people in wisconsin supporting govener walker. look up the story of the teacher fired for supporting walker, thats what we need to be fighting against not a buisness.

    Report Post »  
  • toomuchgovt
    Posted on March 29, 2012 at 5:24am

    Freedom of Speech apply to everyone but a Christian, Conservative, White American…. This is not meant to racial motivate, it is the facts as I see them playing out and building up, since the election of the “great uniter”(gag).

    Report Post » toomuchgovt  
  • lukerw
    Posted on March 28, 2012 at 11:01pm

    I would imagine… someone from Socialist Greece (where the Left is Communist, and the Right is Nazi)… would view an American Conservative alike an Alien from another Planet!

    Report Post » lukerw  
  • AJAYW
    Posted on March 28, 2012 at 9:17pm

    Obama hoodies are welcome, all union logo welcome- no christian or conservative clothing allowed

    Report Post »  
    • brickmoon
      Posted on March 29, 2012 at 2:48am

      Well, I haven’t been in a bar in a while, but I have my doubts that the name of an Australian hair removal product is the worst vulgarity ever allowed on a t-shirt in a pub outside of Milwaukee — or the most politically divisive slogan allowed on a piece of apparel.

      I think it’s fine for a bar to have a dress code. The owner has the right to refuse service to anybody, and his customers have the right to complain publicly, but my guess is that a lot of his patrons are loyal union workers. And everyone in Wisconsin knows that THEY would never cause a ruckus.

      Report Post » brickmoon  
  • EndTheGOPTEA
    Posted on March 28, 2012 at 9:03pm

    That POS Koch Whore is Done!

    Report Post » EndTheGOPTEA  
  • Karl Hungus
    Posted on March 28, 2012 at 9:02pm

    who in the hell are they crapping? I’ve taking customers there on numerous occasions and have seen all sorts of long haired, short haired, stinky and tattooed freaks with all kinds of Scott Walker hatred from shirts to buttons.

    There completely full of it to say their apolitical. just my observation.

    Report Post »  
  • RamonPreston
    Posted on March 28, 2012 at 8:38pm

    Call your lawyers guys! Everybody else has rights. Are you white? The bartender wouldn’t have the guts to throw out 6 black people.

    Report Post » RamonPreston  
  • junior1971
    Posted on March 28, 2012 at 8:13pm

    Those of you who believe that it is not ok to fight fire with fire regarding the tactics of the media matters types are people that would not defend their fellow citizens when in need? As Wyatt Earp said at the ok corall “Get to fightin, or run away’ (paraphrasing) As we all know, they are attempting to harass, threaten, and bully advertisers who advertise with those who would oppose them. They are hurting people, their children, their families and their livelyhood. Collectively, we have vastly superior numbers and a whole lot more money than these children in Momma’s basement types could ever aquire. If the enemy is trying to attack you or your fellow citizens in any way, you must do whatever it takes to defend them! Best to fight fire with fire rather than one upping your opponent. After all, fair is fair.

    Report Post » junior1971  
  • junior1971
    Posted on March 28, 2012 at 7:54pm

    a

    Report Post » junior1971  
  • roostercogburn
    Posted on March 28, 2012 at 7:43pm

    Glad I found out about this, we were in there a few months ago on one of our out of town trips, plan to head back there with a large crew, we sure will make sure we do not go to this place, will look for a place to spend our money that supports our country, not tries to destroy it’s future by supporting people who will destroy it..

    Report Post » roostercogburn  
  • 1monkey1
    Posted on March 28, 2012 at 7:34pm

    This is why I can’t wait until my “Progressives, rewriting history since 1913″ shirt comes in.

    Report Post »  
  • Lover of America
    Posted on March 28, 2012 at 6:50pm

    So don’t go back and spend your money at the establishment. Simple, done over with, now let’s move on!

    Report Post »  
  • gnc422
    Posted on March 28, 2012 at 6:11pm

    Are they seriously trying to say that the back of the shirt caused them to ask them not to return? Who really thinks anyone complained about that in the bar?

    Having said that, I appreciate the response from the “conservative six” and agree with them that we should give the bar owners a second chance and give them a chance to redeem themselves.

    Report Post » gnc422  
  • team1blazer
    Posted on March 28, 2012 at 5:31pm

    I recently wore my “Beware of Liberals Posing as Americans” T shirt to a breakfast restaurant in Florida, and was called a “Troublemaker” by one of the leftists. NO PROBLEM. As I see it, until we rid this once great nation from left wing Marxists, I’ll continue to stir the pot.

    Report Post » team1blazer  
  • 13th Imam
    Posted on March 28, 2012 at 5:22pm

    Saul
    Just another in your long line of gobbledeegook. No, I don’t donate to Abortion Enablers. As a Christian Conservative your views are very Progressive.

    Report Post » 13th Imam  
  • Infidel49
    Posted on March 28, 2012 at 5:19pm

    Yeah, after they spent money in the place. Boycott it now and hope they have to shutdown.

    Report Post » Infidel49  
  • amerbur
    Posted on March 28, 2012 at 4:48pm

    Nice to see people be able to work out diagreements and misunderstandings.

    Report Post »  
  • Dismayed Veteran
    Posted on March 28, 2012 at 4:42pm

    Before advent of all the social media and 24-hour news, this would not be a story. Here I am typing a response to this nonsense. Am I stupid, or what?

    Report Post » Dismayed Veteran  
  • NeoKong
    Posted on March 28, 2012 at 4:40pm

    Apparently the Rox Bar only wants to make certain people welcome.

    Report Post » NeoKong  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on March 28, 2012 at 5:54pm

      The owners are Greek, of course they are pro union.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
  • 13th Imam
    Posted on March 28, 2012 at 4:30pm

    Did they ask EVERY dope with an OBarry t-shirt or Hoodie to not wear it again if they were returning?? Every one over the past 4 years?? Bet Not. And if the wearer was Black would they ask them to not wear that politically charged O Barry Hoodie again?? Doubt It.

    Report Post » 13th Imam  
  • jungle J
    Posted on March 28, 2012 at 4:24pm

    The negative calls were made by communist /progressive/marxist operatives.Only the sane understand.

    Report Post »  
  • Tri-ox
    Posted on March 28, 2012 at 4:20pm

    Since they are anti-Walker, then Rox Bar and Grille is obviously some kind of pro-obama bar; why would anyone with a brain go there? Hopefully, area residents will spread the word, and Rox will dry up and blow away.

    Report Post » Tri-ox  
    • kaydeebeau
      Posted on March 28, 2012 at 4:43pm

      Really? I think you are confused about the site you are visiting – media matters is spelled differently

      Report Post » kaydeebeau  
  • Locked
    Posted on March 28, 2012 at 4:16pm

    “Since the owners of Rox refuse to apologize for the action of their employee, we have no other choice then [sic] to assume they approve of telling people after they spend their money, that they are not welcomed back. With that in mind we have no other choice than to make this story be known to the masses starting with the Jerry Bader Show.”

    “We personally never called for a boycott of the establishment; after all, being a supporter of Governor Walker also means you are a supporter of Capitalism and of small business.”

    Yeah, you just said people shouldn’t spend their money there and should do their best to spread the story and make sure other people know not to go.

    Oh… wait. That’s a boycott.

    I don’t give a fig about Walker or his recall, but people like this give a terrible name to whatever cause they support. Walker’s got nads; but these supporters just seem like a bunch of angry nuts!

    Report Post »  
    • 13th Imam
      Posted on March 28, 2012 at 4:43pm

      As a longtime Christian Conservative , do you willingly give your hard earned cash to the New Black Panthers, or the ACLU, or NAMBLA? Why not ?? Are you Boycotting them?? For Shame.

      Report Post » 13th Imam  
    • Locked
      Posted on March 28, 2012 at 4:49pm

      Wait, what? What in world do the Black Panthers have to do with a bar in Wisconsin?

      … you’re off your meds again, aren’t you?

      Here’s a better question: do you approve of, say, Susan G. Komen for the Cure? No? That’s fine; you don’t donate to them.

      Now, do you create facebook groups, go to media sites and give interviews, and do your best to get everyone you know to stop donating to them because you disagree with them? Yes? That’s called a boycott, bucko.

      Report Post »  
    • michael48
      Posted on March 28, 2012 at 7:12pm

      locked…thumbs down bucko…

      Report Post »  
  • CatB
    Posted on March 28, 2012 at 4:07pm

    Wow .. something “offensive” in a bar … imagine at .. political .. OF COURSE IT WAS! Now that conservatives know they are not welcome .. they will find another place to spend their money.

    Report Post »  
    • scuba13
      Posted on March 28, 2012 at 4:15pm

      But the guy wearing the “Bears Suck” shirt , that’s ok.

      Report Post » scuba13  
    • Locked
      Posted on March 28, 2012 at 4:22pm

      Well, the Bears did suck in 2011…

      Honestly, sounds like the pro-Walker supporters made a mountain out of a molehill. Hopefully the bar doesn’t suffer just because of their perceived insult.

      Report Post »  
    • scuba13
      Posted on March 28, 2012 at 4:28pm

      Locked I’m not boycotting anybody, I‘m not going because I don’t want to get beat up again.

      Report Post » scuba13  
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