Sooner in Tampa
6/9/2006, 09:11 AM
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/traveler/images/philly0510/philly_hdr.jpg
Located in a diverse South Philadelphia immigrant neighborhood, Geno's and its chief rival, Pat's King of Steaks, form the epicenter of an area described as "ground zero for cheesesteaks."
But by posting small signs telling customers "This Is AMERICA: WHEN ORDERING 'SPEAK ENGLISH'," Geno's owner Joseph Vento has drawn his restaurant into a political storm.
"They don't know how lucky they are. All we're asking them to do is learn the English language," said Vento, 66. "We're out to help these people, but they've got to help themselves, too."
Vento, whose grandparents struggled to learn English after immigrating from Sicily in the 1920s, said he posted the sign about six months ago amid concerns over immigration reform and the increasing number of customers who could not order in English.
Kind of an interesting perspective. It should also be noted that they have NEVER turned anyone away because they cannot speak English...they simply HELP them learn how to order in English.
Link (http://www.poconorecord.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060609/NEWS/606090359/-1/NEWS)
Located in a diverse South Philadelphia immigrant neighborhood, Geno's and its chief rival, Pat's King of Steaks, form the epicenter of an area described as "ground zero for cheesesteaks."
But by posting small signs telling customers "This Is AMERICA: WHEN ORDERING 'SPEAK ENGLISH'," Geno's owner Joseph Vento has drawn his restaurant into a political storm.
"They don't know how lucky they are. All we're asking them to do is learn the English language," said Vento, 66. "We're out to help these people, but they've got to help themselves, too."
Vento, whose grandparents struggled to learn English after immigrating from Sicily in the 1920s, said he posted the sign about six months ago amid concerns over immigration reform and the increasing number of customers who could not order in English.
Kind of an interesting perspective. It should also be noted that they have NEVER turned anyone away because they cannot speak English...they simply HELP them learn how to order in English.
Link (http://www.poconorecord.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060609/NEWS/606090359/-1/NEWS)