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'Speak English' signs OK at Philly shop
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by ryan | March 19, 2008 at 04:26 pm
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I can imagine it was frustrating for the shop owner to have to deal with individuals who couldn't order in English, but a little heart and compassion would be appropriate in the city of brotherly love. I know when my grandparents first came to North America they wouldn't have been able to order a philly cheesesteak sandwich in English, but they sure worked hard to learn. For a country built on immigration, this store owner needs to keep his isolationism in check.
Nevertheless, the court ruled that Vento did not violate any laws by posting this sign because he apparently didn't refuse anyone service. It will be interesting to see if after all the publicity and the positive ruling if more such signs start to appear.
The owner of a famous cheesesteak shop did not discriminate when he posted signs asking customers to speak English, a city panel ruled Wednesday.
In a 2-1 vote, a Commission on Human Relations panel found that two signs at Geno's Steaks telling customers, "This is America: WHEN ORDERING 'PLEASE SPEAK ENGLISH,'" do not violate the city's Fair Practices Ordinance.
Shop owner Joe Vento has said he posted the signs in October 2005 because of concerns over immigration reform and an increasing number of people in the area who could not order in English.
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Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (5)
at 17:03 on March 19th, 2008
For the record, this is a Jim's Steak, which is the best steak in Philly. Geno's is for the tourists - hence the English language barrier.
geezypete has contributed a photo to this story.
at 18:17 on March 19th, 2008
I thought it was for immigrants...that at least seems to be the implication.
at 22:20 on March 19th, 2008
The store place might have a controversial sign, but its steaks are merely mediocre compared to other cheesesteak establishments around Philly.
Mazaev has contributed a photo to this story.
at 07:59 on March 20th, 2008
Sounds like Quebec but not as bad.
at 12:36 on March 20th, 2008
I think the bottom line is that it was frustrating for the shop owner to have to deal with individuals who couldn't order in English more than isolationism.
How are you expected to do business when you can't understand what the other person is saying?