LETTERS

Nation's Restaurant News, May 8, 2000

Reader objects to article 'promoting' gay lifestyle

Editor, NRN:

I wish to express my extreme disappointment in "Hamburger Mary's launches franchisee drive to attract gay market," April 10, 2000, page 4.

I never would have thought articles that support and promote such a lifestyle would ever be allowed in a magazine as good as Nation's Restaurant News.

For the past 25 years I have developed my own restaurant from a small carryout operation to a 200-seat full-dining facility that is unique and patriotic. It's probably the only patriotic eatery in the nation. During this same time, I have always subscribed to your magazine and enjoyed the many good articles on various topics.

Your magazine has always offered positive articles that have been really beneficial. I look forward to getting it each week so I can learn about new products and ideas. It has been a real asset to me over the past several years. But this is the first time that I have seen an article about the gay and lesbian lifestyle and the targeting of it as a new market of business. I believe that it is in very poor judgment and taste to promote such concepts when there are so many other restaurants catering to good family values. I believe such articles will cost you readership and support as there may be others like me who believe [they] should not be allowed in a magazine about restaurants.

The gay and lesbian movement is trying its best to push its lifestyle as normal by getting so much press in local and national papers. They only represent 2 percent of our American population and have a lifestyle that is strongly unacceptable to most. To have them recognized on the same page with Rainforest Cafe and near the front section is an embarrassment to me as an operator.

I will no doubt cancel my subscription when they call for renewal. Your magazine is too good to have lowered itself to become "politically correct." I can no longer support your magazine.

owner

Dave Byrdwell

Dave's All-American Pizza and Eatery Danville, Ind.