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San Francisco Restaurant Apologizes After Backlash For Refusing To Serve Armed Police Officers
A San Francisco restaurant has issued an apology after receiving considerable backlash for refusing to serve three armed police officers.
Hilda and Jesse, a popular breakfast establishment, reportedly asked the three unnamed officers to leave the restaurant because they were making the other patrons "uncomfortable" by openly carrying their guns.
In a statement on a since deleted Instagram post, the restaurant declared they "politely" asked the officers to leave the premises owing to the "multiple weapons" they were carrying.
The post also emphasized their gratitude in all the police force does, and said anyone working in law enforcement was welcome to come by any time, provided they didn't bring their guns with them.
Co-owner Rachel Sillcocks went into further detail in their decision in a subsequent Twitter post.
Official response from one of the owners of Hilda and Jesse pic.twitter.com/veshjMekxc
— Stanley Roberts (@StanleyRoberts) December 4, 2021
"Our restaurant is a safe space- particularly for queer and bipoc individuals."
"Furthermore, the fact that they were in uniform with multiple weapons on them made our staff uncomfortable, and potentially other guests, so they were asked to leave."
"We would happily welcome them off duty, out of uniform and without weapons."
"We're sorry that the decision upset you. We understand your perspective and we hope you'll consider ours."
Several Twitter users commended Sillcocks and the restaurant for their decision.
I know people be making negative comments but I just want to say well done. You made the right decision because it was the decision that made your staff and your guests the most comfortable. Even if the cops weren’t there to bust you, they are still cops, so anything can happen.
— Sister Dharma Gettin' (@SisterDharma) December 5, 2021
I agree with their response. They have that right. Guns can be terrifying especially in today's environment. Do I support Police. 100%. However, Not respecting their choice is hypocrisy. The lack of respect from Police organizations going out it the problem here.
— Melissa Lewis (@Melissa16450976) December 6, 2021
It's not the fact that they are police officers, it's the fact that they are armed. That's not a safe environment, I know I would leave as a customer if there were armed people in the restaurant, be it police or anyone else.
— Iker (@Iker90433435) December 6, 2021
All these people with all these negative comments; what’s wrong with operating an environment that has a weapons-free policy? I commend you for your decision and will be dining there regularly from now on (so long as the food is good, of course.)
— Sister Dharma Gettin' (@SisterDharma) December 5, 2021
Nah, next time I am in the Bay area I will go there for brunch. Sounds peaceful.
— Carla Vivarttas (@cd_viva) December 5, 2021
However, not everyone was 100% sold on their decision, with several finding the restaurant's actions discriminatory.
Others believed it opened up a slippery slope for how they could justify refusing service in the future.
I can’t believe that with all the crime going on in The City, a few people were scared of the people that protect us? So what are they going to do if a crime happens in their restaurant? Call the police?! What a joke. NEVER going there and will tell all my friends too!
— Lady T (@Ladytmdee) December 5, 2021
Completely dysfunctional. Do they screen homeless people for weapons when they come in ? Or is it just the police that are screened?
If a bipoc customer makes a white customer "uncomfortable", then the bipoc has to leave?
Where do they draw the line?
— California U.S.A. 🇺🇸 🌊 (@dlharv) December 5, 2021
Oh please.
I remember flying 2/2002 from Oakland to Miami. When arriving at the airport, all I could see was numerous Notary Police walking with automatic rifles/other weapons, and their K9 dogs. I felt safe & secure. No one was upset. We were protected !
— ConservativeTalk (@remzelk1) December 5, 2021
It’s sad they’re being review-bombed. But it was predictable. What annoys me most is that if this place intentionally caters to queer and bipoc patrons, how could they tell the officers weren’t either?
— Alex Roucourt (@AlexisRoucourt) December 5, 2021
So they are discriminating against police officers…funny how the group of “love and tolerance” isn’t loving or tolerant! 🤦🏻♀️
— Holly (@HollyBooBeau) December 5, 2021
Also less than pleased with the actions of the restaurant, was San Francisco Police Department Chief William Scott.
He responded to Sillcock's post in his own lengthy statement on Twitter.
(2/3) The San Francisco Police Department stands for safety with respect, even when it means respecting wishes that our officers and I find discouraging and personally disappointing.
— SFPD Chief Scott (@SFPDChief) December 5, 2021
(3/3) I believe the vast majority of San Franciscans welcome their police officers, who deserve to know that they are appreciated for the difficult job we ask them to do — in their uniforms — to keep our neighborhoods and businesses safe.
— SFPD Chief Scott (@SFPDChief) December 5, 2021
"Community engagement is a core principle of SFPD’s 21st century police reforms, and we are intentional about asking our officers to support local businesses and get to know those they’re sworn to safeguard."
"The San Francisco Police Department stands for safety with respect, even when it means respecting wishes that our officers and I find discouraging and personally disappointing."
"I believe the vast majority of San Franciscans welcome their police officers, who deserve to know that they are appreciated for the difficult job we ask them to do — in their uniforms — to keep our neighborhoods and businesses safe."
Many supported Chief Scott's post and further condemned Hilda and Jesse's decision to kick out the armed officers.
SFPD deserves to be respected for their public service, not discriminated against. You shouldn’t have to put up with these sorts of double standards. I’m wondering if this is even legal. 🤔
— Sorinne Ardeleanu for POTUS (@Sorinne2020) December 5, 2021
I stand with SFPD against all kind of discriminations. We should honor and respect the Police because of their honorable pubic service. They serve, and protect, and ensure the safety of our communities.
— Arsenal Till I Die (@GoonerAFCBoy) December 5, 2021
I hope everyone refuses to eat at the restaurant and they are forced to close their doors. I would never support any business that doesn’t support on duty, uniformed police officers. People claim to be woke and scared of everything. Imagine being scared of an inanimate object!😂
— Michael Reservoir (@BrianTa95029062) December 5, 2021
@BrianTa95029062 I concur! Hilda and Jesse will NEVER get my patronage EVER! When I travel to Cali, I will go to establishments that are 100% pro-police. Anyone that denies LEO’s service does NOT have my respect. I AM PROUD TO BACK THE BLUE !!
— Amelia (@BackTheBlue_860) December 6, 2021
When I come to CA on vacation, I will NEVER go to Hilda and Jesse EVER! They lost my respect indefinitely! 😡 I stand with SFPD and all other LEO’s!! 🖤💙
— Amelia (@BackTheBlue_860) December 6, 2021
Others still defended the restaurant.
They felt the officers had no reason to bring their guns inside with them inside and it was completely within the owners' rights to ask them to leave.
Are you seriously questioning the legality of demanding people not bring weapons onto private property? And do you seriously think that's discrimination?! I hope the police have better understanding of the law than you!
— 🌏 MikZ 🌎 (@original_mikz) December 5, 2021
SFPD shot & killed an unarmed kid near my home. While I'm thankful for officers serving the community, the dept is lacking & I've seen more police on power trips than doing that. It's not discrimination to demand they leave deadly weapons out of places of work; it's common sense.
— 🌏 MikZ 🌎 (@original_mikz) December 5, 2021
This establishment is a private business who is entitled to make their own rules. You should accept that a decision instead of stating that you find this decision discouraging and disappointing.
— C (@diablos49) December 5, 2021
There is absolutely nothing wrong with their policy.
— billy (@billy88150413) December 6, 2021
In spite of a firm number of supporters, Hilda and Jesse found themselves bombarded with bad reviews on Yelp following the incident.
This resulted in their Yelp page receiving an "unusual activity alert" badge, indicating reviews may have been based on the restaurant’s actions as opposed to food, ambiance or service, leading to reviews for Hilda and Jesse to be temporarily disabled.
Hilda and Jesse’s co-owners Rachel Sillcocks and Kristina Liedags Compton eventually posted an apology to their Instagram page.
"We made a mistake and apologize for the unfortunate incident on Friday when we asked members of the San Francisco Police Department to leave our restaurant."
"We are grateful to all members of the force who work hard to keep us safe, especially during these challenging times."
"We hope this will be a teachable moment for us as we prepare, and continue to build bridges with the SFPD."
"These are stressful times and we handled this badly."
Comments on the post were disabled, making it unclear if the SFPD has accepted their apology and may return to dine at Hilda and Jesse, or if those who supported their initial decision might now be looking for somewhere else to be their weekend brunch spot.