Every Friday, Off The Record looks to other Milwaukee publications (and beyond) for bits of news we missed throughout the week.
• Mitch Ciohon, owner of popular Bay View taco purveyor Gypsy Taco and Gypsy Burger, announced this week that he will be changing the name of his business because “it has come to my attention that the name around which I have created a brand is offensive to the people from which it stems.” He goes on:
While not my intent, the name I chose to represent me as a chef was founded upon an inaccurate definition that disregarded the long history and plight of the Romani people. The local community has spoken and I have made it my mission to listen. I apologize to those I have offended. It was not my intent. I have always stood behind my company and my product. To proudly continue doing so, I willingly accept the blame for my lack of education on the matter at hand, and absolutely wish to use that which I have learned to reimagine my company as one that is inclusive to all.
I ask only that all affected respect the time and capital necessary in the rebranding of a business. The process cannot be done overnight, but rest easy knowing it begins now with this.
Apologies. Truly.
Yours, Chef Mitch
That seems like the right thing to do, yes?
Well, according to some people, no. A few hours and an untold number of “PC SNOWFLAKE SJW WHY YOU TRIGGERED BRO BY THE WAY YOUR TACOS ARE GREAT” comments later (you can find them on Facebook, and the Milwaukee subreddit has some downvoted doozies), Ciohon had this to say:
In the wake of the recent announcement I would like to remind people that defending me with derogatory / racist remarks is never ok. I am unabashedly confident in the active change and denounce those who wish to tarnish this decision by dragging others through the dirt. I cannot stress enough that “supporting” me with hateful speech is not support. If you cannot respect my choice, silence is my only request.
On the other hand, a lot of people were supportive of Ciohon without being assholes. Welcome to 2018. [Facebook]
• Meanwhile, Boone & Crockett is moving to the former Hot Water Wherehouse at 818 S. Water St. [OnMilwaukee]
• Vegan pop-up restaurant and caterer Beatrix Foods will open a location—dubbed Celesta—on the East Side at 1978 N. Farwell Ave. this spring. [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]
• Calzone chain D.P. Dough will open a location on the East Side at 1515 E. North Ave. this spring. [Urban Milwaukee]
• Grassroots Salad Company is opening in the ground floor of downtown’s Chase Tower this spring. [Milwaukee Business Journal]
• Twin Brother is back. [Shepherd Express]
• There’s a GoFundMe to build a bronze statue of legendary South Milwaukee wrestler/Vanguard patron saint The Crusher. [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]
• Bastille Days’ footprint will change this year because of the streetcar. [OnMilwaukee]
• Pabst Milwaukee Brewery is scrapping its food service and focusing on, well, beer. [OnMilwaukee]
• Those “ice bars” at St. Paul Fish Company, Cafe Benelux, and The Wicked Hop have been postponed until February 1. [OnMilwaukee]
• E.W. Scripps Co. is putting WTMJ-AM (620) and WKTI-FM (94.5) up for sale. [Milwaukee Business Journal]
• Milwaukee musician Casey Seymour talked about his bands, Ravi/Lola and Kiss Critique. [Wisconsin Gazette]
• Elton John will perform at the Harley-Davidson 100th anniversary celebration new Milwaukee Bucks arena Feb. 19, 2019 as part of his farewell tour. [BizTimes]
• Milwaukee photographer Kelly Bolter is the best. [Commonstate]
• Oh yeah: Johnsonville is the new sponsor of the Milwaukee Brewers’ racing sausages. [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]
• Have a great weekend, Milwaukee!