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Anaheim White House sparks partisan controversy
The renaming of one of the acclaimed restaurant’s rooms after President Obama has angered some.
By Susan BelknappPublished: January 30, 2009 03:00 PM
To keep with the theme of the Anaheim White House, and as a gesture of national pride, owner Bruno Serato decided to name one of the restaurant’s private dining rooms in honor of President Barack Obama.
His decision has evoked some unexpected vitriol from longtime patrons who take exception to his decision.
Most of the restaurant’s rooms are named after presidents, including the Reagan Room and the Bush Room, but apparently that wasn’t enough for many of Serato’s right-leaning patrons who flooded his office with voicemails and e-mails after he announced the dedication of the Obama Room.
Serato, an Italian immigrant and noted local philanthropist, is not taking the matter lying down. He is speaking out against the negative response from the community he’s given so much to.
His nonprofit organization feeds 50,000 underprivileged children every year from the restaurant with hot meals for “motel kids” every night.
"I'm not a politician, I'm a restaurateur," says Serato said. "But because I do a lot of things with a presidential theme, I put his name on the room because it's history. If an American can come from a history of slavery and go forward to be president, that shows we are moving forward.
"I received complaints that they will not patronize my restaurant," Serato continues. "The first one doesn't offend me, the second one doesn't offend me – but I serve 50,000 underprivileged kids every year. I raise over $1 million for different charities, and for a customer to be upset because of a room and try to damage me – that's sad."
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Readers Feedback:
So, I guess the same people don't ever walk into a museum or a presidential library of a president who belonged to the opposite party. Come on, people.
Comment at 1/30/2009
Whether you are Republican or Democrat, you cannot ignore what had occured last Novemer. This election was historical and his winning margin impressive.
Patrons must realize that not every room in a restaurant named after the home of our many presidents will be of the same political party. Those who don't happen to care for president Obama should not be so quick to bash a restaurant over such a petty thing. I'm a democrat, yet just yesturday I flew through George Bush International in Houston rather than another airport. I also visited the Reagan library and enjoyed it very much.
My point is that there is a time and place to express political differences, but if Carl's Jr. made a "Bush" burrito that I liked, I would not boycott it. Instead I would swallow, smile, and worry about the important issues of the day.
Comment at 1/30/2009
I think its a free country so far, so Bruno should follow his heart, but he should also be prepared to get it broken...In this business its about keeping your customers happy,...and to have some customer loyalty to the guests that have made it possible for you to give to the needy as a private business person....As for Obama most likely won't even take notice of your restuarant, when he is accustomed to eating in Chicago'finest. Perhaps the only thanks you will get from ObAMA will be a tax bill,where he will find his own use for your money....so with less money to share with your community , and hard economic times forecasted in the future.....It would be wise to listen to your most loyal customer base, and respect their opinion on this. YOu can always name a room after Obama later, but by then you might be the one to regret that if your restaurant slows down, you are taxed up the wazooo because of Obamas tax plans, and your most long term loyal customers find a new favorite. Follow your heart, but do so mindfully or it may end up shattered.....just something to think about. By the way Obama's black relatives were not slaves in this country, they are Muslims still living in Africa.
Comment at 1/31/2009
I agree with Serato, this is very sad that people would react this way it is nothing short of bigotry! Thank God we are in a Free Country that we can name our business what we want. So to condem a man for honoring the President of the United States of America seems un-American and divisive.
I hope this story gets legs because I am sure the more people hear it, Bruno will get more forward thinking individuals would enjoy patronizing his restaurant and not mind eating in any room that honors any president of our great nation.
Comment at 2/2/2009
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His decision has evoked some unexpected vitriol from longtime patrons who take exception to his decision. Most of the restaurant’s rooms are named after presidents, including the Reagan Room and the Bush Room, but apparently that wasn’t enough for many of Serato’s right-leaning patrons who flooded his office with voicemails and e-mails after he announced the dedication of the Obama Room. Serato, an Italian immigrant and noted local philanthropist, is not taking the matter lying down. He is speaking out against the negative response from the community he’s given so much to. His nonprofit organization feeds 50,000 underprivileged children every year from the restaurant with hot meals for “motel kids” every night. "I'm not a politician, I'm a restaurateur," says Serato said. "But because I do a lot of things with a presidential theme, I put his name on the room because it's history. If an American can come from a history of slavery and go forward to be president, that shows we are moving forward. "I received complaints that they will not patronize my restaurant," Serato continues. "The first one doesn't offend me, the second one doesn't offend me – but I serve 50,000 underprivileged kids every year. I raise over $1 million for different charities, and for a customer to be upset because of a room and try to damage me – that's sad." Related headlines OC MENUS: Phans55 of Irvine opens with 'green' Vietnamese cuisine Mimi's Café reopens in Costa Mesa Access Beverage of Santa Ana to contract with European vodka company OC METRO Minute Jan. 28: Del Taco names Paul Murphy CEO and president |
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Readers Feedback:
So, I guess the same people don't ever walk into a museum or a presidential library of a president who belonged to the opposite party. Come on, people.
| Comment at 1/30/2009 |
Whether you are Republican or Democrat, you cannot ignore what had occured last Novemer. This election was historical and his winning margin impressive.
Patrons must realize that not every room in a restaurant named after the home of our many presidents will be of the same political party. Those who don't happen to care for president Obama should not be so quick to bash a restaurant over such a petty thing. I'm a democrat, yet just yesturday I flew through George Bush International in Houston rather than another airport. I also visited the Reagan library and enjoyed it very much.
My point is that there is a time and place to express political differences, but if Carl's Jr. made a "Bush" burrito that I liked, I would not boycott it. Instead I would swallow, smile, and worry about the important issues of the day.
| Comment at 1/30/2009 |
I think its a free country so far, so Bruno should follow his heart, but he should also be prepared to get it broken...In this business its about keeping your customers happy,...and to have some customer loyalty to the guests that have made it possible for you to give to the needy as a private business person....As for Obama most likely won't even take notice of your restuarant, when he is accustomed to eating in Chicago'finest. Perhaps the only thanks you will get from ObAMA will be a tax bill,where he will find his own use for your money....so with less money to share with your community , and hard economic times forecasted in the future.....It would be wise to listen to your most loyal customer base, and respect their opinion on this. YOu can always name a room after Obama later, but by then you might be the one to regret that if your restaurant slows down, you are taxed up the wazooo because of Obamas tax plans, and your most long term loyal customers find a new favorite. Follow your heart, but do so mindfully or it may end up shattered.....just something to think about. By the way Obama's black relatives were not slaves in this country, they are Muslims still living in Africa.
| Comment at 1/31/2009 |
I agree with Serato, this is very sad that people would react this way it is nothing short of bigotry! Thank God we are in a Free Country that we can name our business what we want. So to condem a man for honoring the President of the United States of America seems un-American and divisive.
I hope this story gets legs because I am sure the more people hear it, Bruno will get more forward thinking individuals would enjoy patronizing his restaurant and not mind eating in any room that honors any president of our great nation.
| Comment at 2/2/2009 |
