Save for the angry, “God-fearing,” sign-waving dudes on Seventh Avenue, Ybor City is generally one of the most welcoming places in Tampa Bay.
Carne Chophouse, which has been open at 1536 E. 7th Ave. since 2012, just quickly made sure it stays that way. Jason Fernandez, owner and operator of the Historic Hospitality restaurant group that manages Chophouse along with Bernini and Tequila’s told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay that one of it’s managers—Bill Lyle, who was posting racist and homophobic comments on his and Chophouse’s Facebook pages—has been terminated.
“Our community brought to our attention that an employee with access to our social media accounts posted unacceptable comments under our name,” Fernandez wrote in an email to CL. “As of 7/9/2020, that employee is no longer with Historic Hospitality group.”
In screenshots sent to CL by a reader, Lyle says the N-word, “I have issues with gays” and other unsavory items. Chophouse’s Facebook page is down as of Thursday morning, and Fernandez added that, “There is much to be done, and Historic Hospitality is committed to working with our community to enable people of all backgrounds to feel safe, thrive and succeed.”
See the full statement below.
At Historic Hospitality, we do not tolerate racism, discrimination, or violence of any kind. We prioritize and value the diversity of our employees and we’re committed to fostering a culture where everyone feels they belong and has equal access to all opportunities. When we see instances of racism or other forms of discrimination, wherever they may be, we all need to speak up and take action. You, our patrons, supporters, and neighbors, did just that - you stood up, took action, and brought to our attention this vile misconduct.
Our community brought to our attention that an employee with access to our social media accounts posted unacceptable comments under our name. As of 7/9/2020, that employee is no longer with Historic Hospitality group.
We all have a responsibility to build a world of equal opportunities where no one is judged by the color of their skin, their sexuality, their gender, their disability or their religious beliefs. There is much to be done, and Historic Hospitality is committed to working with our community to enable people of all backgrounds to feel safe, thrive and succeed.
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