NEW ROADS, La. (BRPROUD)– A New Roads restaurant called Signature Southern Bistro is under fire for posting online about a drag brunch show at the end of the month.
The owner of Signature Southern Bistro is Susan Smith Early. She opened the restaurant last year and poured her entire life savings into the business.
Early said she wanted her restaurant to have an inviting feeling including strong equality. She mentioned that, “I have all walks of life come through that door.”
Early spoke to many clients, mentioning they travel around the state to different restaurants for a “unique” style. Early realized that these businesses were receiving a much higher income and revenue by having these types of brunches, so she decided to give it a try.
“So I thought, let’s do a drag brunch here,” said Early. Two weeks ago, Early released a “Drag Brunch” flyer on Facebook, which reached thousands of people in the community. Many of the online comments range from negative to positive.
However, some of the negative comments have been life-threatening and use foul language towards herself, her family, and staff.
Since the release, she has noticed that her business has been losing revenue due to backlash, causing some clients to leave.
“To me, I’ve never seen anything where they have been doing anything explicit,” said Early, “So having a show where someone can come and sing and dance, I didn’t think it was a problem.”
Early provided proof of the dozens of anonymous phone calls she has received from the public.
“Then you go as far as calling me the n-word, then tell me that you want to hang me, saying you going to shoot me?” said Early.
Early filed a report with the Pointe Coupee Sheriff’s Office and the New Roads Police Department. Early was told through sources that due to a large amount of hate speech, the FBI is investigating this case.
“But am I going to back down?” No. I’m not. I am who I am. I support who I want to support, and I’m not backing down,” said Early.
On Facebook, Early said the restaurant will be hosting the Drag Brunch on April 23rd. The event is for individuals who are 21 and older. She plans to hire extra security to make sure herself and her employees are safe during the event.
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