Marti Warren will never eat at Olive Garden or any other Darden Restaurant subsidiary. The 80-year old, who says she helped integrate Anniston schools, is ready for another fight after her Kiwanis Club chapter was told it could not bring its banner or an American flag into the restaurant's Oxford location.
"I want them (customers) to stay away," said the Calhoun County Kiwanis Club outgoing president. Kiwanis Club supporters have peppered social media with criticism of Olive Garden.
"I have grandson who fought in Iraq. He came back messed up," said Warren "And I can't have a flag to salute in his honor ?"
The company called Warren to apologize and explain because the Oxford restaurant does not have a private area, it could not accommodate a large flag or banner.
Warren says her supporters are considering a protest in front of the Oxford Olive Garden.
Olive Garden Provided ABC 33/40 with this statement:
"Like all Americans we have nothing but the utmost respect and admiration for the American flag and everything it symbolizes. In fact, we periodically provide American flag collar pins to our employees to wear while serving guests. We understand and appreciate the way some people have reacted to the situation in Oxford and we're very sorry if this decision has caused them any concern. The Oxford Olive Garden does not have a private dining area. To be fair to everyone and avoid disrupting the dining experience for all other guests, they are unable to accommodate flags or banners of any type in the dining room."
"I want them (customers) to stay away," said the Calhoun County Kiwanis Club outgoing president. Kiwanis Club supporters have peppered social media with criticism of Olive Garden.
"I have grandson who fought in Iraq. He came back messed up," said Warren "And I can't have a flag to salute in his honor ?"
The company called Warren to apologize and explain because the Oxford restaurant does not have a private area, it could not accommodate a large flag or banner.
Warren says her supporters are considering a protest in front of the Oxford Olive Garden.
Olive Garden Provided ABC 33/40 with this statement:
"Like all Americans we have nothing but the utmost respect and admiration for the American flag and everything it symbolizes. In fact, we periodically provide American flag collar pins to our employees to wear while serving guests. We understand and appreciate the way some people have reacted to the situation in Oxford and we're very sorry if this decision has caused them any concern. The Oxford Olive Garden does not have a private dining area. To be fair to everyone and avoid disrupting the dining experience for all other guests, they are unable to accommodate flags or banners of any type in the dining room."