It has come to my attention that there are several people attacking the owners of the new Italian restaurant in town, Mama Mia’s, over an employee that has a reputation for causing disruptions and is part of the same organization that has caused drama in this town since it got started (Hate Has No Home Here). Now, there is an absurd effort in the community to shut the place down.
Several “Hate Has No Home Here” members (in addition to the employee), are targeting this restaurant, saying that they were “discriminating against a person with a disability.” Therefore, they have launched what they call “a public shaming” campaign, labeling this business as “hateful.” This entire incident had nothing to do with prejudice; otherwise, the employee would have never been hired in the first place. He simply wasn’t meeting their expectations, so he was fired.
It is not my objective to chastise anyone or even take sides, because (frankly) it’s none of my business. And if you’re honest with yourselves, its none of your businesses either.
Like many business owners, I have had to deal with service providers and hire freelancers to assist in getting various jobs accomplished. If they do not properly do the job and do not meet the requirements necessary, I fire them. It’s a reality that every successful businessman must face. You can’t pay someone for not doing their job properly.
You may feel that the employee was doing their job properly, but it’s not your restaurant, so it’s not your call to make.
The owner of Mama Mia’s Restaurant was dissatisfied with the performance of an employee. The employee became belligerent, so the business owner was firm back and fired him.
Then, rather than remaining professional, the fired employee started cussing out his former employer on his social media account.
We must all remember that there are two sides to every story. None of us are aware of what was going on behind the scenes; therefore, we are in no place to really even have an opinion, especially an educated one.
Today, I ordered a pepperoni roll from Mama Mia’s Restaurant and I must admit that it was the best pepperoni roll I’ve ever eaten from an Italian restaurant. Their food is beyond delicious and Buckhannon finally has another great restaurant. This community would be foolish and tasteless if they fail to support this restaurant; especially, if they attempt to shut it down over a dramatized story that had nothing to do with a person’s “disabilities.”
The wonderful Italian owner knows a decent amount of English, but he is just trying to open a restaurant for people to enjoy. He had a rough first day, because of this unfortunate incident; however, to judge this entire restaurant off of one incident like this is ridiculous.
Also ask yourself the questions: do you ever lose your temper? Do you function calmly when you’re under a tremendous amount of stress?
If you were in the position of the business owner and you invested a large sum of money into your business, only to have someone create a dramatic event, causing public perception to view your business unfavorably, how would you feel? Everything that you worked so hard for… gone over a disgruntled employee trashing you on Facebook.
We are better than this, Buckhannon.
Also, we must take into account that this was the owner’s first day. He was already under a ton of stress, and if an employee became belligerent (on top of it), action had to be taken. So, let’s give this place another chance, and welcome the owner into our community.
I think that most people deserve a second chance.
Well written, and a normal thought process behind the whole situation. As a business owner myself it has become completely ridiculous these days now if someone starts a drama campaign the whole bandwagon jumps on to shut businesses down over petty hearsay and it goes from small issue to “stop the NAZI/bigot/etc” they tag you with.
When I read a post on Fb and it is to discredit or belittle someone’s character i wonder why they aren’t held responsible. I do believe there is a law that protects against slander is that not what that is that they are doing? Going on what I’ve read, not to make an opinion because I know there is two sides to a story, and usually one side is stretched. If this in fact took place first day of opening I am most positive he wasn’t fired for his disability. They hired him with the disability . I am ashamed that the people of buckhannon can judge someone for what they’ve read on a community gossip page. A good friend of mine lost her business due to this kind of gossip . And not only do I find it distasteful it’s illegal . I am excited to try the new business . And I will probably take my family all 16 of us . This county needed a good Italian restaurant. Let’s stop the hate and welcome the owners and their new business .
Being from the Elkins area and working across the street fro Mama Mia’s, I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying Bob’s awesome food. Bob is probably one of the hardest working, gracious person I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. These comments are coming from people who have no idea of what they’re talking about when it comes to Bob nature that’s for sure. Hang in there Bob. These real people of Buckhannon will come around.
I can’t wait to try this new place. Well written article and despite public bashing, I will form my own opinion. 🤔🧐😉