The drastic decision by Austrian restaurateur Stefan Lercher is causing controversy: from today, vegans will no longer be allowed to dine in his restaurant. But the ban also affects nationality, sparking controversy.
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In an era when efforts are being made to zero in on discrimination as much as possible, Austrian entrepreneur Stefan Lercher seems to be going decidedly against the position. Known to the public for opening the restaurant-pizzeria Peppino on Lake Millstatt in Carinthia (home to pizzaiolo Paolo Monaco, the recipient of numerous industry awards) Stefan recently made a post on his Instagram profile announcing changes in store for the restaurant.
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The copy reads, "Vegans and Arabs excluded: they cannot enter my establishment." Words that do not lend themselves to misunderstanding: Stefan wants to prevent some people of a different nationality or dietary restriction from setting foot in Peppino's. The Austrian daily Kleine Zeitung reports that the decision was made by Lercher after he hosted a group of customers of Arab descent, due to a series of ill-mannered behaviors toward the staff. But the ban was completely unfounded because rudeness doesn’t know cultural boundaries. It's also extended to those who favor a vegan diet, focusing on meat and fish in addition to pizza.
Lercher then chose to limit seating in his restaurant, which as of now, instead of 250 people, will accommodate about six tables, reducing the staff to only three members. A decision dictated, perhaps, by high operating costs, but one thing is certain: Stefan says he only wants to accommodate locals or regulars, as long as they are "omnivorous." The absurd "measure," predictably, caused quite a stir among the local population and media, also given Peppino's well-known name. However, when it was pointed out to him that he would lose many customers, the owner commented, "I have been militating on the Millstatt food square for ten years. Food service wears you down, so it's time to select the audience and reduce the number of covers. I will focus only on local guests."
Source: rollingpin.at
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Cover photo: @ROLAND
