A customer complaint on Facebook has brought national media attention – and political controversy – to a Dairy Queen in Kewaskum, Wisconsin.
Hanging on the front window for years is a sign with an unmistakably bold yet controversial message to patrons. With just a few phrases that we commonly hear, the sign garnered attention as it started a debate when it was spotted by an out-of-towner.
Printed in red and white, the post easily grabs one’s focus before they enter the door. Displayed for all to see, the sign “warns” those entering the Kewaskum Dairy Queen that “this restaurant is politically incorrect,” noting that staff says “Merry Christmas,” “Happy Easter,” and, “God Bless America.”
But, owner Kevin Scheunemann doesn’t think he’s in the wrong at all. “I felt the sign was appropriate to hang in terms of being transparent about the views of the owner and staff supporting God and country,” he told WDJT-TV, explaining that he posted the sign four years prior after a customer complained about Christian music playing inside the restaurant. “It just seems that those kinds of values and principles are becoming controversial in society.”
In a statement to NBC Chicago, a national Dairy Queen spokesperson said the company “does not encourage our independently owned and operated franchisees to post non-business related messages in their locations or on their external reader boards. The sign expresses the views of this independent owner only and does not speak for ADQ [American Dairy Queen] Corporation or any of our other independent franchise owners. We expect our franchisees and employees to treat every person who walks through our doors with the utmost dignity and respect. Nothing less is acceptable.”
Some people complained and commented to Dairy Queen’s corporate headquarters, posting comments on its social media pages.
“Corporate. Please do not make a statement that goes against Freedom of Speech and Religion. The 1st Amendment is what makes this country great,” wrote one Facebook user in support of the sign.
Some locals agree with his decision.
“He posted it on the door so you see it before you walk in,” said April Serwe, who owns a nearby bar. “You don’t have to walk in if you don’t agree with it.” “In this small community, I don’t think it’s a problem,” added local resident Liz Torrison. “We’re all just liking each other and having fun.”
From American News:
Investigating into the reasons why Mr.Scheunemann had put up the post in the first place, it was discovered that he had probably done so as a means of removing such objections and complains as the current one.
The decision came 4 years earlier, when a customer had shown certain objections to the Christian music that was being played in the restaurant.
Thus, as a way of making intending customers know the tendencies of the restaurant and its staff, the management decided that such post could prepare their minds on the things to expect.
Sources: AmericanNow, Fox News, WDJT-TV