A local restaurant dealing with major backlash after a political post backfired.
Now, Cup it up American Grill, located at 760 N. Tyndall Avenue closed indefinitely on Monday, October 9, 2018.
The closure comes after the Downtown eatery got major backlash after a Facebook post went viral and quickly backfired.
Signs were taped in front of the business, stating,
CUP IT UP CLOSED INDEFINTELY.
Dear Loyal fans and Patrons of Cup it Up American Grill,
We have made a decision to close our doors indefinitely as of today, Monday, October 9, 2017. The safety of our employees, and our families is of great concern and is our #1 priority at this time. We would also like to extend a special thanks to our Military and First responders. Thank you all and God Bless."
In a lengthy Facebook post, they said, "It's time Cup it Up American Grill made a statement."
Cup it up shuts its doors indefinitely after Facebook backlash. More tonight @kgun9 pic.twitter.com/zAWJSeHMQv
— Jennifer Martinez (@Jennymartineztv) October 10, 2017
The post went on to say what the business believed and didn't believe.
They ended the post telling customers that they, "won't show NFL games until the organization got it together."
Asking followers who agree to support them and those who don't - They didn't expect them to come to the eatery.
They were quickly met with threats and unhappy customers.
This was the viral FB post that Cup It Up American Grill posted & deleted after backlash. Restaurant is closed indefinitely. (prior tweet) pic.twitter.com/o4847nNNjF
— Jennifer Martinez (@Jennymartineztv) October 10, 2017
"People threatened to burn down the restaurant with the owners in it. It's a crazy world we're in," says Ron Sanchez whose grand daughter works at the restaurant.
Frequent customer, Ericka Ayup says she found it refreshing that the restaurant stood up for what they believed in.
"I respected their decision to speak up and be patriotic whether people agree or not," says Ayup. Adding, "It wasn't smart for them to do what they did from a business aspect especially being down here in the University -- which is more liberal and young."
Restaurant owner, Christopher Smith and Jay Warren sent KGUN 9 their final statement and say:
"To our loyal customers and ALL fellow Americans,
We wish all of you nothing but the best. We appreciated your patronage and wanted to give a very special thank you to our military and first responders for giving us all the opportunity to speak our minds. God Bless Tucson and God Bless America!"
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