Mark Baratelli
Writer
I go to Barnies Coffee (that has yet to be transformed into a glistening Barnies Coffee Kitchen) in Baldwin Park early in the mornings quite often. Every time I enter the non-renovated space, their TV is tuned to Fox News. Two old Statler and Waldorf types are lurching over their coffee at a high top, parked right in front of the TV. As I wait to place my order, I hear things that I feel just don't belong in a place I am going to for a quiet respite.
Recently I was at a restaurant-tasting with a group of food writers and media folks, and one of them pointed out that the restaurant, McCoy's Bar & Grill at the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport, had Fox News playing on its TV in the bar adjacent to our table of eight. The Manager seemed caught off guard, and admitted she didn't realize it was a problem. at some point during the tasting, the channel was changed.
Whether you're a fan of Fox News or not, this type of entertainment I feel does not belong in places like coffee shops and restaurants. Its divisive to customers. We're all just communing in these spots to eat, drink and relax, not have audio playing that can offend some and make others clap with glee. And anyway, how is doing this good for business? How about we just go with something benign in the mornings like Good Morning America or ridiculous like Kathy Lee and Hoda, and something boring like, ugh, sports? Though I don't enjoy sports on TV, it won't divide the restaurant in half.
Writer
I go to Barnies Coffee (that has yet to be transformed into a glistening Barnies Coffee Kitchen) in Baldwin Park early in the mornings quite often. Every time I enter the non-renovated space, their TV is tuned to Fox News. Two old Statler and Waldorf types are lurching over their coffee at a high top, parked right in front of the TV. As I wait to place my order, I hear things that I feel just don't belong in a place I am going to for a quiet respite.
Recently I was at a restaurant-tasting with a group of food writers and media folks, and one of them pointed out that the restaurant, McCoy's Bar & Grill at the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport, had Fox News playing on its TV in the bar adjacent to our table of eight. The Manager seemed caught off guard, and admitted she didn't realize it was a problem. at some point during the tasting, the channel was changed.
Whether you're a fan of Fox News or not, this type of entertainment I feel does not belong in places like coffee shops and restaurants. Its divisive to customers. We're all just communing in these spots to eat, drink and relax, not have audio playing that can offend some and make others clap with glee. And anyway, how is doing this good for business? How about we just go with something benign in the mornings like Good Morning America or ridiculous like Kathy Lee and Hoda, and something boring like, ugh, sports? Though I don't enjoy sports on TV, it won't divide the restaurant in half.
A few people on Twitter agreed:
