John Oliver On American Food Waste

NEW YORK: Couple Sues Chili's For HIV Exposure After Waiter Spits In Drink

After the police used a DNA test to confirm that a waiter had spit into their drink, an upstate New York couple is suing a Chili's restaurant and the waiter for potential exposure to HIV and hepatitis.

The Yerdons plan to sue Lamica and the owners of Chili's this week. They want compensation for the psychological trauma they endured not knowing whether Yerdon had contracted HIV or hepatitis because he'd sipped from the cup twice before seeing the spit. Ken Yerdon, 45, a traveling operator for a power company, tested negative for HIV and hepatitis immediately after the incident. But he had to wait six months to be tested a second time to ensure he was in the clear. "It was a long six months of anxiety," Julie Aluzzo-Yerdon said. Marissa Rice, director of youth services at ACR Health in Syracuse, said today that saliva is not one of the four bodily fluids through which HIV can be transmitted. Even if someone had blood in his or her saliva, swallowing that person's saliva would not transmit the disease because it has to get into someone's bloodstream, said Rice, who's trained by the state in AIDS prevention education.

The couple says that they are suing Chili's because the company took no action against the waiter before he quit. The spitting reportedly occurred after the couples complained about their meal and then asked for drinks to go. The waiter's Facebook page has been screencapped at the above link.

Opening Soon In Dallas

Via Eater:

If you've ever wondered why there wasn't a male version of the skeezy dining establishment that is Hooters, well, your prayers are about to be answered: Brace for the arrival of Tallywackers, coming soon to the gayborhood. Per a help wanted ad on Craigslist, Tallywackers appears to be a bar and restaurant staffed by half-naked men who may or may not offer suggestive raised eyebrows while serving phallic-shaped foods such as hot dogs. Look for it to open soon at 4218 Lemmon Avenue, the space previously occupied by Lolita's and the Catalina Room. If Hooters and Twin Peaks are considered breastaurants, does that make Tallywackers a... dickstaurant? Discuss.

Their Facebook page is here. (Tipped by JMG reader Robert)

Fund For Indiana Pizza Parlor Nears $500K

The donation page for Indiana's Memories Pizza has neared $500K after being set up by Glenn Beck's BlazeTV following reports that the restaurant had closed temporarily in the wake of death threats against its owners. Via Market Watch:

The initial goal of the Gofundme campaign was to raise $25,000, and the campaign was announced when [Blaze reporter Lawrence] O’Connor appeared on Dana Loesch’s show. Jones said the O’Connor family didn’t ask for the campaign. “The intent was to help the family stave off the burdensome cost of having the media parked out front, activists tearing them down, and no customers coming in,” he wrote. “Our goal was simply to help take one thing off this family’s plate as the strangers sought to destroy them.” “But other strangers came to the rescue and the total just keeps going up.” By midday Eastern time on Thursday, the campaign had raised $133,424 from 4,620 people. Friday morning, the total was $491,976 from 16,620 people. Jones said the campaign will keep going “as long as people are giving.” On Thursday, he had predicted the total could reach $250,000. “This is not an antigay message,” he said. “This is freedom.”

On Wednesday an Indiana high school coach was suspended after tweeting a threat to burn down the restaurant. Local police are investigating.

“The Walkerton Police Department is committed to extending professional police services to all in need, regardless of said person’s sexual, religious, or political views,” according to the release. “We encourage all to follow Indiana Laws and Statutes. We ask that all frustrations and rebuttals with Memories Pizza’s recent media statements remain within the law.” Concord Community Schools superintendent Wayne Stubbs confirmed that the district is aware of the situation and [Jess] Dooley has been suspended from her coaching duties pending further investigation.

The restaurant's donation page closes today and a financial adviser has reportedly volunteered to help the owners with their windfall.

INDIANA: Pizza Restaurant Vows To Refuse Service To Same-Sex Weddings

Via South Bend's ABC affiliate:

A small-town pizza shop is saying they agree with Governor Pence and the signing of the controversial Religious Freedom Restoration Act. The O'Connor family, who owns Memories Pizza, says they have a right to believe in their religion and protect those ideals. “If a gay couple came in and wanted us to provide pizzas for their wedding, we would have to say no,” says Crystal O'Connor of Memories Pizza.

She and her family are standing firm in their beliefs. The O'Connor's have owned Memories Pizza in Walkerton for 9 years. It's a small-town business, with small-town ideals. “We are a Christian establishment,” says O'Connor. O'Connor says because she's a Christian, she and her family don't support a gay marriage and that is their right.

Kevin O'Connor, Crystal's father, says he believes the negative backlash the bill and its supporters are getting isn't fair. “That lifestyle is something they choose. I choose to be heterosexual. They choose to be homosexual. Why should I be beat over the head to go along with something they choose?” says Kevin O'Connor.

What kind of wedding serves take-out pizza? (Tipped by JMG reader Scott)

Coming To NYC: Chick-Fil-A Megastore

During the Great Chicken Uproar of 2012, then-NYC Council Speaker Christine Quinn demanded that the NYU cafeteria close its tiny walk-up Chick-Fil-A window, which remains the chain's sole outpost in the nation's largest city. But not for very much longer as this summer the company will open its biggest store ever, a three-story 5000sf outlet near Herald Square.

"We are beyond excited about opening our first freestanding restaurant in New York," said Carrie Kurlander, vice president of public relations. "This location will allow us to serve fans who have been asking us to come to New York and to earn the opportunity to serve new customers." She noted that the company is actively working on additional restaurants to open here this year and next. Like its other 1,850 locations, Chick-fil-A’s New York restaurant, which is a franchise location, will not be open on Sundays, as the company "believes all operators and team members deserve a day off," according to a spokeswoman. Of course, only operating six days of a week will make affording the city’s hefty rents a difficult task. The asking rent for the Sixth Avenue space was $450 a square foot for the ground floor, for example. It also remains to be seen how the city’s gay community will welcome the chain.

The Empire State Pride Agenda reacts:

We hope that Chick-fil-A's planned entrance to New York City comes with a side of LGBT-inclusivity and a newly-thought strategy for supporting ventures that are equality friendly. The bedrock of our city is built on diversity and the history of the LGBT civil rights movement took place on our streets; we encourage all new businesses, including Chick-fil-A, to learn from the mistakes they've made and welcome a new era that is reflective of the people they will be serving.

Chick-Fil-A CEO Dan Cathy was the daily darling of anti-gay groups throughout the 2012 furor, but last year Tony Perkins labeled him a "coward" after Cathy declared that he was shutting up forever about same-sex marriage.

NEW JERSEY: Appellate Court Dismisses "Prayer" Suit Against Applebee's

From the New York Daily News:

A New Jersey man who suffered burns to his face and legs from a sizzling-hot steak fajita skillet while praying had his suit against Applebee's thrown out. Divine intervention doesn't trump common sense, the state appellate court in Camden, N.J. ruled Wednesday. Hiram Jimenez claimed a waitress at the Westampton, N.J., restaurant did not tell him the skillet was hot during a 2010 visit with his brother, NJ.com reported. When the order arrived, he bowed his head in prayer over the entrée and the skillet splashed him with grease in the left eye and face, according to the suit. Jimenez then knocked the plate onto his lap. A lower court dismissed the case and a two-judge panel agreed. Applebee's was not negligent, they ruled.

The court ruled that it was "self-evident" that a sizzling plate of food would be hot.

So This Is A Thing

A hot dog wrapped in fried chicken and drizzled with cheese. (Tipped by JMG reader Bernie)

McDonald's Reveals French Fries Recipe

Mmm, delicious anti-foaming agents.

The Big Gay/Straight Ice Cream War

Via Gothamist:

Sensing an acute lack of heteronormative ice cream parlors in the West Village, one Italian restaurant has positioned itself to capture the elusive demographic of those who'll have two scoops of whatever John Wayne's having (raw hamburger). Gallo Nero is down the street from Big Gay Ice Cream's second location on Grove Street at 7th Ave. Reached by telephone, a manager at the restaurant seemed confused about the nature of our call. "What's the issue? We can call our ice cream whatever we want," he said. Asked if the sign was a reference to Big Gay Ice Cream, or if he could see how it may be interpreted as homophobic, the manager, who declined to provide his name, replied, "They have their own way, we have our own way."

RELATED: I can recommend the Mermaid Sundae at Big Gay Ice Cream: Key Lime curd, vanilla ice cream, crushed Graham Crackers, and whipped cream. Other house specialties include the Bea Arthur and the Rue McClanahan.

Little Caesars Chain Sued For Denying Insurance Benefits To Gay Couples

Via Reuters:

A former trainee manager at Little Caesars pizza in California sued the company for discrimination on Wednesday, accusing the Detroit-based chain of denying employees health insurance benefits for their legally wed same-sex spouses. The lawsuit was brought in state Superior Court in Orange County, regional headquarters for the nation's third-largest pizza chain, by Frank Bernard, 47, who said he quit his job after Little Caesars refused to extend coverage to his husband of six years. "I didn't want anything special, I just wanted the same benefits package as heterosexual couples," Bernard said at a news conference in Los Angeles. It cites a letter Little Caesars presented Bernard explaining a benefits policy that defined "spouse" as "the one person to whom you are legally married under the laws of the state in which you reside, including common law spouse, and who is the opposite gender from you."

Little Caesars has 3700 locations and ranks third in gross annual sales behind fellow pizza chains Pizza Hut and Domino's.

Burger King: We're Not Moving

"We hear you. We’re not moving, we’re just growing and finding ways to serve you better. As part of the announcement made today, both Burger King Corp. and Tim Hortons will continue to operate as independent brands. We’ll just be under common ownership. Our headquarters will remain in Miami where we were founded more than 60 years ago and business will continue as usual at our restaurants around the world. The decision to create a new global QSR leader with Tim Hortons is not tax-driven – it’s about global growth for both brands. BKC will continue to pay all of our federal, state and local U.S. taxes. We’re proud of the heritage of Burger King and will maintain our long-standing commitment to our employees, franchisees and the local communities we serve. The WHOPPER isn’t going anywhere." - Posted yesterday to Burger King's Facebook page. Most commenters aren't buying it.

Burger King Heads North

Burger King has announced that it will move its headquarters to Canada in an $11B merger with the Tim Hortons donut chain.

The new global company will be headquartered in Canada, but each brand will be managed independently, with Burger King retaining its U.S. offices in Miami, the two companies said in a joint statement. The new base in Canada could allow Burger King to reduce its U.S. tax bill -- a recent report by KPMG found that total tax costs in Canada are about 46% lower than in the U.S. These so-called inversions allow companies to transfer money earned outside the U.S. to the parent company without paying additional U.S. taxes. As more companies have used inversions, President Obama and Congress have publicly criticized the moves because it cuts into U.S. tax revenue.

The merger will vault BK over Subway as the world's third-largest fast food conglomerate with $23B in combined sales. There's no word on whether Tim Hortons will ever get that apostrophe.

Arby's Meat Mountain

Via the Washington Post:

Arby’s faced a key problem as it moved to attract customers: People thought the restaurant served mainly roast beef. To change that, the company made this poster showing a tall stack of every meat on the menu, from bacon to brisket. And then something unexpected happened. “People started coming in and asking, ‘Can I have that?’” said Christopher Fuller, the company’s vice president of brand and corporate communications. So Arby’s began granting their wish. The “Meat Mountain,” as it’s called, will not be listed on the menu, but store associates will make it for customers who ask. The price is $10.

The sandwich is too big for ordinary Arby's boxes and will come wrapped in paper. Hit the link for the ingredients.

One Million Moms Vs Carl's Jr.

One Million Busybodies is calling for a boycott.

Joe, Will Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. ever learn? They are at it again with another disgusting ad. Their newest Texas BBQ Thickburger commercial focuses on the model’s sweaty chest and legs with several suggestive shots. This ad is extremely degrading to women and should be pulled off the air immediately. Not long after One Million Moms contacted the company about its advertisement starring Kate Upton making out with a burger at a drive-in movie wearing only skimpy lingerie, the company aired three different commercials all with the same theme. The restaurant is using sex to sell its burgers with scantily-clad models licking sauce seductively in provocative poses. 1MM has had enough with their soft porn ads! We will politely, but sternly let them know that we are not giving up on protecting our families. There is strength in numbers so be sure to send this to everyone you know! 1MM will remain consistent and dedicated, especially with companies that seem not to budge, which means we need EVERYONE’S help in taking action!

OMM says the company is blocking their emails (SNORK!) so they are asking their supporters to barrage their offices by phone. Here's the suggested script:

"Your advertising continues to offend me and my family. You have shown no respect for common decency, values or women. If you continue to advertise in this manner and refuse to remove your recent ad, my family will no longer eat in your restaurants. I also plan on telling everyone I know never to visit your restaurant again unless you pull the Texas BBQ Thickburger ad off the air and remove it from your website immediately!"

NORTH CAROLINA: Diner Gives Discount To Patrons Who Pray Before Eating

Via the Huffington Post:

Mary’s Gourmet Diner in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is offering a 15 percent "praying in public" discount. Owner Mary Haglund confirmed the discount to The Blaze on Friday saying that she has actually been offering the rebate for four years now. The discount, which she said is not aligned with any singular religious affiliation, hasn't been advertised and is offered per the discretion of the waitstaff. “[W]hen I see someone in a restaurant honoring their gratefulness at my table … it touches my heart," she told The Blaze. Adding: "It’s just a moment or faithfulness about the plate of food. It’s not even a policy — it’s [something] we only do when we’re moved to do it.” The praying in public discount gained attention this week after Christian radio station Z88.3 posted a photo of a customer's receipt to its Facebook page.

After that customer's receipt went viral on Facebook, Haglund dialed back the discount rules:

There's a lot of craziness going on in regard to the 15% discount. I will not respond to all the posts. I will say that it is not a "policy", it's a gift we give at random to customers who take a moment before their meal. This could be prayer or just a moment to breathe & push the busyness of the world away. Who you talk to or meditate on etc. is your business. I have lived in a 3rd world country, there are people starving. We live in a country with an abundance of beautiful food. I NEVER take that for granted. It warms my heart to see people with an attitude of gratitude. Prayer, meditation or just breathing while being grateful opens the heart chakra. It's good for everyone!!!!

Naked Hamburglars

So this happened in Florida:

Days after two naked college-age men and a third underwear-clad accomplice broke into her restaurant to steal burgers, Doc's Beach House waitress Nancy Sansevieri is still laughing. Why would three naked "knuckleheads" break into a Bonita Beach eatery and only steal food as two security cameras captured their every move? "Dumb, dumber and dumbest," Sansevieri said with a laugh Wednesday. Three days after the naked caper heard around Southwest Florida, the bare-naked beef bandits remained on the lam. Authorities don't know if the men are tourists or residents, but are trying to uncover and bare all tips. On Wednesday, authorities released photos — at least those that can be printed — to ask the public for help in identifying the men. The bandits robbed the restaurant at 3:06 a.m. Sunday, stealing 60 hamburgers, three pounds of bacon, three red peppers and a paddleboard.

Cops are asking the public for help in identifying the trio, who are described as muscular and carrying big meat.

Burger King Posts "Proud Whopper" Video In Support Of LGBT Rights

This morning I reported on Burger King's launch of the "Proud Whopper" campaign over the weekend during San Francisco Pride. The promised supporting video has already arrived and it's really quite lovely. Just in from Burger King's promotional team:

Burger King Worldwide, Inc. is broadcasting a widespread message in support of self-expression with a digital film launching today on YouTube.The film was created at a BURGER KING® restaurant at the heart of the San Francisco Pride Parade route where a limited edition PROUD WHOPPER® Sandwich was added to the menu. Guests who ordered the PROUD WHOPPER® Sandwich were surprised because it is in fact, the same iconic fire-grilled WHOPPER® Sandwich beloved since 1957, but wrapped in rainbow colored paper inscribed with a message reading: “we are all the same inside.” The film captures the brand's new “BE YOUR WAY” spirit through emotionally charged reactions. The written message inside the PROUD WHOPPER® Sandwich wrapper, “we are all the same inside,” speaks volumes and truly showcases what it means to “BE YOUR WAYSM”. The intent of the “BE YOUR WAY” global attitude is not to tell anyone how they should live, but rather aims to elevate “HAVE IT YOUR WAY®” to an even more meaningful place.

Oh my yes, the Whopper sadz will be delicious.

NOTE: While the Proud Whopper is only being sold at the one Market Street location, there is this: "All PROUD WHOPPER® Sandwich sales will be donated to the BURGER KING McLAMORE  Foundation, for scholarships benefiting LGBT college-bound, high school seniors graduating in spring 2015."

Experiment: Fast Food Ads Vs Reality

2.3M views in 48 hours.

Gays Plan Visit To Texas "We Don't Serve Fags" Diner, Owners Plan To Call Cops

Members of the Dallas-area LGBT community say they are planning on a mass visit to the Texas restaurant that kicked out a gay couple, telling them, "We don't serve fags here." The owners say they are ready to call the cops if that happens.

“If there’s any problems, they will be taken care of appropriately,” says Christina Cheney, who is Big Earl’s daughter and the waitress who made the homophobic remark. “We are aware that they are attempting to come out here. We’re ready for them; we have informed the Sheriff’s department and the state.” Cathie Adams President of the Texas Eagle Forum says she’s disgusted by the protest. “I think that for the homosexual community to be targeting a restaurant and good people is ugly, it is uncalled for.” Adams says, “They’re pushing an envelope and they want to not only have tolerance – they want to shove things down our collective throats.” She say she would never broadcast her personal life in public. “As one who has been married for 45 years to my husband, I don’t think that it’s my role to stand in the street corner and start talking about the style of private life my husband and I have.”

Meanwhile the Yelp page for Big Earl's is full of raving reviews calling it the best gay bar in Texas. Heh. (Tipped by JMG reader Elroy)

UPDATE: Homocon Matt Drudge has sent his hordes of Tea People to the first link above where you'll find many threats of physical harm for any gay people who dare visit Big Earl's.