In an attempt to market a new ahi tuna dish with black olive tapenade, Paisano’s restaurant in Albuquerque, New Mexico, put “Black Olives Matter” on its sign. The restaurant posted a photo of it to Facebook and the image quickly evoked responses across the internet.
Restaurant's ill-advised 'Black Olives Matter' sign sparks controversy https://t.co/0DaMidouz3 pic.twitter.com/Net8X6xdVQ
— Eater (@Eater) July 18, 2016
Seeing Black Olives Matter trending has me understanding how little so many really care. We have to stop expecting outside acknowledgment.
— Karen Hunter (@karenhunter) August 16, 2016
Before I get to work must say how much "Black Olives Matter" trending bugs me. I love olives, but joking on #BlackLivesMatter name sucks >:(
— Janet Flora Corso ✍📚☂️✌🇺🇸 (@janflora) August 16, 2016
https://twitter.com/GrooveSDC/status/765549580456828932
Though the sign drew a lot of criticism—for playing off of the Black Lives Matter movement, which begun in response to the overwhelming number of black men shot by the police—it also brought in a lot of customers to the small Italian restaurant. As a result, the owner Rick Camuglia started selling merchandise. There are now “Black Olives Matter” T-shirts and hats. And according to Camuglia, business is booming.
The restaurant is no stranger to provocative signs. In July, the restaurant posted some of their controversial signs from the past, including “Sex sells! Unfortunately, we only sell Italian food.”
And it appears that instead of backing down, Camuglia is leaning into the controversy. Camuglia told the local KOAT 7 news:
“It’s gone so viral. We’ve gotten calls from Australia, Spain, France, you name it,” Camuglia said.
He said he put together the shirts and hats because people who showed support asked if they could buy a souvenir from the restaurant.
All the while, Camuglia said business is soaring.
“People have filled the restaurant and told us to leave up the sign,” Camuglia said. “That’s great, you know, because a lot of people make a living off working for this restaurant.”
Of course, not every one is upset by the phrase. Supporters on Facebook are chiming in to tell Camuglia not to cower to politically correct culture. Others think this is done all in fun.
The controversy isn’t dying down anytime soon—and neither, it would seem, are sales.