Restaurateur bans three city officials

EDMOND, Okla., Jan. 2 (UPI) -- An Oklahoma restaurateur has designated several city officials personae non gratae because they object to his awnings in the colors of the Italian flag.

Above the counter at Danny Falcone's restaurant in Edmond, Okla., there is a sign telling Edmond Neighborhood Alliance attorney Lydia Lee, and Edmond Planning Commissioners Suzy Thrash and Ingrid Young to eat someplace else, The Oklahoman in Oklahoma City reported.

Falcone took issue with their objecctions to his putting up tri-colored awnings at his business. The Edmond Planning Commission in October voted against Falcone's awning plan, and the city council followed suit a month later.

"On our other stores, we have a big awning in the colors of the Italian flag," Falcone said. "Well, these women say they don't want all these colors up here. They say they don't want different businesses to have different colored awnings."

It's marketing, the transplanted New Yorker says, and the colors represent his heritage.

"Unlike some restaurants, I have an authentic Italian restaurant being run by an Italian," he said. "So I don't know if they're prejudiced or ignorant or what, but they aren't welcome here."