Portland Pizza Restaurant’s Controversial Stance
A pizza restaurant in Portland, Oregon, has recently stirred up quite a bit of controversy by posting an outspoken anti-ICE message on its website. They claimed that their food embodies political values, which has many customers scratching their heads.
This memo appeared on the Tastebuds website, advocating for the dissolution of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). It gained traction just weeks after the tragic deaths of anti-ICE activists Renee Good and Alex Preti.
“ICE is everywhere,” the memo boldly stated.
“Food is political. No one occupies illegally on stolen land. Forget ICE. Abolish ICE,” it further proclaimed.
Shockingly, the message meandered into other areas, discussing topics like the Epstein files and transgender rights.
It continued with lines like, “Release the Trump and Epstein files. Free Palestine. Black lives matter. Trans women are women. Love your LGBTQ+ neighbors. The Holocaust was real.”
This note was visible to website visitors before they could subscribe to the restaurant’s newsletter.
Many critics have accused the restaurant of prioritizing politics over pizza, leading some to pledge a boycott.
In response to the backlash, the restaurant’s messaging has softened, although the initial uproar led to a wave of negative feedback online.
A Tastebud spokesperson mentioned, “Since our statement gained attention, we have seen an increase in hate, harassment, and abusive reviews, calls, and emails. This is concerning for our staff, our families, and our guests.” They clarified that they welcome all diners.
Furthermore, they mentioned, “Food has become political because care has become political.” The restaurant has since revised its messaging to align more with themes of human rights, equality, and science.
The updated memo reads, “Waiting is not caution. Silence is not neutral. Both are permission.” It concludes with a powerful statement on the necessity of civic engagement for the survival of the nation.
The context of the original notice is tied to the recent killings of activists Good and Preti, events that have profoundly impacted local communities. Interestingly, while the restaurant claimed to have witnessed these tragic events, further details remain murky.
