GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — In response to Starbucks’ request that customers not bring guns into their stores, one West Michigan business is doing the opposite.
Michael Lopez and his wife, owners of Wing Doozy in Grand Rapids, are offering a 25 percent discount to anyone with a concealed pistol permit.
It’s a situation that shows how businesses both nationally and locally are responding to the divisive issue of gun control.
“We want people to feel welcome here, law-abiding citizens shouldn’t feel alienated going into a restaurant,” Lopez said.
Earlier this week, Starbucks president and CEO Howard Schultz issued a statement about the coffee chain’s request: “We are respectfully asking our customers who are carrying a gun not to bring them into a Starbucks store,” Schultz said, “We just believe that our customers and our people will be much more comfortable if guns are not a part of the Starbucks experience.”
Both establishments say they’re not creating rules or taking a political stance. They only want to create the best environment for their customers.
