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Boston Restaurants Respond to This Weekend’s ‘Free Speech’ Rally

Some are making donations to groups such as the Southern Poverty Law Center

scallion pancake “sandwich” stuffed with greens and oozy eggs on a white plate with a blue floral border
Mei Mei will be donating Saturday’s Double Awesome proceeds to the Southern Poverty Law Center
Facebook

On Saturday, August 19, members of multiple white nationalist organizations are expected to descend upon Boston Common for what they’re calling a “free speech” rally, while thousands of counterprotesters plan to show up to demonstrate against the public display of what they term "the growing emboldenment of the White Nationalist far right and the ideologies they support."

Several local restaurants have released statements regarding the day’s protests and the country’s recent climate, and some are fundraising for various charities. This list will be updated if additional restaurants make similar announcements; email boston@eater.com if there’s anything that should be added.


Fundraising:

Blackbird Doughnuts (South End, Fenway)

On Saturday 8/19, 100% of our sales will be donated to the Anti-Defamation League + the Southern Poverty Law Center. We will also be giving away #sheetcake [a reference to a Tina Fey sketch]. Come by and enjoy doughnuts for a critical cause. Also, be safe.

[via Facebook]

Bukowski Tavern (Back Bay)

Life Alive

Good morning to the wonderful communities we serve in #cambridge#lowell #salem❤️ @lifealivecafe we take pride in strengthening connections and creating an environment where all are embraced in our journey to spread love and pleasure! We look to the divine Goddess within ourselves first and then in each other to inspire and elevate. This weekend, we will donate $1 on behalf of every guest we serve to the Anti-Defamation League ❤️ like us, we know you too work hard everyday to take a stand against bigotry and intolerance of any kind #keepingbostonsafe #NoplaceforHate

[via Facebook]

Mei Mei

Happy Friday, friends. It’s been quite a week. Today, we’re signing on just to say this: we denounce white supremacy, racism, and systematic oppression of all forms. We believe that black lives matter, and that it is absolutely necessary to speak out against intolerance. All day tomorrow (Saturday, 8/19), proceeds from every Double Awesome sold will go to the Southern Poverty Law Center to support their work fighting hatred and bigotry. We think multiculturalism and diversity and social justice are pretty awesome. Like our signature sandwich, they can also be messy, but that doesn’t faze us.

Some people are saying that restaurants should stay out of politics. But we're one of few minority-woman owned restaurants among our peers, operating in an industry that grapples with significant gender and racial inequality. Our staff is over 50% people of color, and over 50% women. We know from experience that it’s not enough to just "not be racist." We must speak and we must act. Silence would betray our commitment to anti-racism. It would tell our team that avoiding controversy is more important than they are.

So, come eat a Double Awesome tomorrow. This is a small token. We have much more to do. Stay tuned.

[via Facebook]

Papi’s Stuffed Sopapillas

There are no two sides about it--Nazis are bad. We're taking the terminators lead and will be donating our tips from tomorrow to the Simon Wiesenthal Center to help fight hate here in America. Come to Night Shift in Everett [Saturday] from 11am to 5pm and help support this cause. #terminatehate #stuffedbypapi

[via Facebook]


General Statements:

The Abbey

All you non-fascists are more than welcome to come in and enjoy a pint!

A post shared by The Abbey, Cambridge (@abbey2cambridge) on

Ben & Jerry’s

Bin 26 Enoteca, Bogie’s Place, JM Curley, and Lala Rokh

Here at Bina Family Hospitality, we've never felt that it was our place to take a stance politically. We have always welcomed people into our restaurants no matter what their views might be. That being said, the horrible events that occurred last weekend in Charlottesville, Virginia are bigger than politics. This is bigger than Republican or Democrat, left or right, conservative or liberal. This is about basic human decency. This is about how to treat your fellow man or woman. This is about how we're all equal no matter the color of our skin, religion, beliefs, or nationality. No one in this country, no one on this earth, is more superior than the other.

On Saturday, August 19th there will be a "Free Speech" Rally being held in the Boston Commons from 12PM to 2PM. Mayor Walsh is urging people to stay away from the Commons and from anyone involved in the rally. Some shops and restaurants around the commons have considered closing. If you decide to come to the area, please know that our restaurants will be open as a safe space.

We will not stand for racism. We will not stand for bigotry. We will not stand for hatred. There's no place for it at our restaurants. There's no place for it in Boston. And there's absolutely no place for it in our country.

We refuse to move backwards.

[via newsletter]

Bloc Cafe, Diesel Cafe, and Forge Baking Co.

For those heading to the Commons today for the counter protest, know that the Diesel, Bloc, Forge Baking Company family stands behind you. Be safe and smart and strong and kind. We will be here if you need fuel up before you head in. Spread love and avocados, not hate!

[via Facebook]

Bred Gourmet

No hate allowed at BRED. Unless it's the Yankees or stupid Giants, we can hate them.

Posted by BRED Gourmet on Saturday, August 19, 2017

Darwin’s Ltd.

Fight supremacy, Boston!

Posted by Darwin's Ltd. on Saturday, August 19, 2017

Frenchie

We stand for peace #coexist

Posted by Frenchie on Saturday, August 19, 2017

Good Life

MAMA SAID DON'T BRING THAT BOOOOL SH*T IN OFF THE STREETS TONIGHT!!! #NoHate

Posted by Good Life Boston on Saturday, August 19, 2017

Gracie’s Ice Cream

Thanks to everyone for going down to Boston Common to let nazis know they're not welcome here. Fuck nazis, eat ice cream. Defend Boston.

[via Facebook]

Haley.Henry Wine Bar

We won't tolerate hate in any way, shape or form. Period. If you are full of love for every race & every heart beating in this universe, then come into the bar and toast one another. We'll be here with open arms... #haleyhenrybar #unite #resist #onelove#trumpsucks #healwayswill #wewontbackdown#weneverwill

[via Facebook]

Intelligentsia

Juliet

The past week has been a horrific one for our country. Violence and hate has existed for as long as I know, and a whole lot longer. I imagine it will continue to for long to come. I wish it wouldn't. It will.

Hate in many forms has been normalized in a way I never thought possible though in the contemporary United States over the past twelve months.

I encourage anyone reading here to remain vigilant and aware and support positive actions whenever possible, as well as remaining open to protest and counter protest when needed.

Creative work, at least for me, is difficult under the conditions I see. I want to tell stories of celebration and progress. The work I do is fun. It's important to keep doing these things too.

Reject hate. Demand outrage from friends, coworkers, elected officials, and presidents. But also, be open to creating good work. If you feel anything about that, I'd be happy to hear from you.

[via newsletter, attributed to co-owner Josh Lewin]

Lamplighter Brewing Co.

Just a reminder today and every day

Posted by Lamplighter Brewing Co. on Saturday, August 19, 2017

Mr. Bartley’s Burger Cottage

Hoping for a peaceful day today.....#mrbartleys #harvardsquare #noburgersforyou #fightsupremacy

Posted by Mr. Bartley's Burger Cottage on Saturday, August 19, 2017

Sullivan’s Tap

Trophy Room

As the long time owner of the Chandler Inn and Studios & Trophy Room, I feel the necessity to acknowledge, honor, and respect the diversity and inclusivity of our staff, customers, and community.

Our business has always been predicated on these values.

Currently, our country seems to be going in the wrong direction: divided…not united; xenophobic…not inclusive.

We are stronger unified. Our diversity is our strength.

The recent violent demonstrations and this administration's response is unacceptable to me. In fact, the current leadership seems to be making it worse.

As a business owner, I feel that it is incumbent on me to speak out. As a white, straight male, I find it both disturbing and upsetting, that large parts of our society seem to be stuck in bigotry and are unable to see the privilege and responsibility of being in the majority.

In fighting to keep the spirit of diversity alive and creating an open environment; we must use our own diverse voices, to call out and combat such hate.

I pledge to continue…to recognize, support and celebrate the diversity of our community and stand with my staff in the daily promotion of these values.

Cliff

[via Facebook]


Saturday Closures or Altered Hours:

jm Curley

21 Temple Place, , MA 02111 (617) 338-5333 Visit Website

Mei Mei (Boston)

506 Park Dr., Boston, MA 02215 (857) 250-4959 Visit Website

Trophy Room

26 Chandler Street, , MA 02116 (617) 482-4428 Visit Website

Bloc 11 Cafe

11 Bow St, Somerville, MA 02143 (617) 623-0000 Visit Website

Lamplighter Brewing Co.

284 Broadway, , MA 02139 (617) 945-0450 Visit Website

Gracie's Ice Cream

22 Union Square, , MA 02143 (617) 764-5294 Visit Website

Mr. Bartley's Burger Cottage

1246 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138 (617) 354-6559 Visit Website

Life Alive (Central Square, Cambridge)

765 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139 (617) 354-5433 Visit Website

Juliet

263 Washington Street, , MA 02143 (617) 718-0262 Visit Website

haley.henry

45 Province Street, , MA 02108 (617) 208-6000 Visit Website

Frenchie

560 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02118 (857) 233-5941 Visit Website

Intelligentsia (Watertown)

810-818 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472 Visit Website

Sullivan's Tap

168 Canal Street, , MA 02114 Visit Website

Blackbird Doughnuts

175 Cambridge Street, , MA 02114 Visit Website

Darwin's Ltd.

1629 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02138 (617) 491-2999 Visit Website

Bukowski Tavern (Back Bay)

50 Dalton Street, Boston, MA 02115 617 437 9999

Bogie's Place

21 Temple Place, , MA 02111 (617) 338-5333 Visit Website

Bred Gourmet

2255 Dorchester Avenue, , MA 02124 (617) 698-0103 Visit Website

Lala Rokh

97 Mount Vernon St, Boston, MA 02108 (617) 720-5511

Forge Baking Company

626 Somerville Avenue, , MA 02143 (617) 764-5365 Visit Website

Diesel Cafe

257 Elm Street, , MA 02144 (617) 629-8717 Visit Website