Philadelphia, PA - When Michael Friedman opening The Red Hen in Swedsboro, NJ, he in no way envisioned that naming his restaurant might become extremely controversial.
And yet after the co-owner of a different restaurant known as The Red Hen and virtually 200 miles away in Lexington, Va. refused to service White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders, it ended up being open season on every eatery using Hen in its name.
As a result of a number of negative reviews and comments on social media Friedman had to make to following post on Facebook:
"THE RED HEN IN SWEDESBORO, NEW JERSEY IS IN NO WAY AFFILIATED WITH THE RED HEN IN VIRGINIA. We are an independent, family owned business who happens to share the same name. Kindly check your facts before you erroneously defame an innocent business on Facebook in an attempt to destroy their business where they welcome all, irrespective of their race, religion, views or opinions. Wishing all a safe and happy weekend!" - Facebook Post
Sanders' trip to the Virginia eatery Friday evening launched a social media uproar with many people on all sides weighing in with their judgement.