Cheesesteak restaurant in fight over sign

PHILADELPHIA, June 13 (UPI) -- A Philadelphia cheesesteak restaurant is the focal point for a bias complaint after its owner refused to remove a "Speak English" sign.

According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Joey Vento, owner of Geno's Steaks, had a discrimination complaint filed against him after he put up a sign which read: "This is AMERICA ... WHEN ORDERING SPEAK ENGLISH."

Vento has appeared on numerous talk shows since refusing to remove the sign, citing the drastic increase in Mexican immigrants in South Philadelphia as one of the primary reasons for his actions.

The Inquirer reports Vento has said he has never refused to serve anyone due to the language they speak and that the sign had been up for six months prior to the complaint being lodged.

Local politicians like City Councilman Jim Kenney have urged Vento to remove the sign of his own accord.

"I asked for consideration, and the consideration was rebuffed," Kenney told the Inquirer regarding his plea to Vento, "I just think it's mean-spirited and divisive, and it's not good for the city's image."

If no agreements can be made, a public hearing regarding the sign's removal will be scheduled soon, the newspaper reports.