Washington D.C.-based restaurant chain &Pizza’s owner apologized for and removed a controversial dessert on Wednesday, Oct. 23, that referenced the late Washington D.C. Mayor Marion Barry. The apology came after protests outside the store and social media backlash from critics who claim it tarnished Barry’s legacy.
Some community activists, like Ronald Molten, even urged people to boycott the restaurant earlier this week.
The owner of &Pizza, Mike Burns, apologized for the pizza joint’s advertisement for a new dessert called “Marion Berry Knots.”
&Pizza advertised the menu item on Monday, Oct. 21, using what appeared to be several drug references such as “These knots will blow you away,” and “Our classic knots got a bump,” as well as imagery of powdered sugar on glass mirrors.
The advertisement seemed to reference Barry’s 1990 drug arrest. The sting was videotaped by the FBI, and Barry famously accused his ex-girlfriend of setting him up.
The former four-term mayor and civil rights leader was convicted of crack cocaine possession and sentenced to six months in prison.
Burns released a statement about the dessert advertisement, saying, “Candidly, we made a mistake. And for that, we sincerely apologize. We hear the D.C. community and have removed Marion Berry Knots from our menu effective immediately.”
Burns also said that he was reaching out to community activists who have expressed anger over the dessert’s advertisement. Adding, “We have read the countless messages and social media posts and understand the frustration this has brought forth, especially to the Barry family. We recognize his impact on the district and greater capital area and understand why his legacy remains as strong as it is today.”
It’s yet to be seen if Burns’ letter will lead activists to change of heart on planned protests on Friday, Oct. 25.
