I never thought someone would say it to me

[AlanM]

I won't go into the entire conversation just one part.

1. I was open carrying my 1911 as normal on my right hip yesterday (Friday 10/24/14) and having lunch at my local Red Lobster.

2. I got into a conversation with one of the two ladies sitting at the table to my right.

3. She brought up my sidearm in reference to Panera Bread and we got to talking about personal protection in general (by this time at least two servers had stopped and were actively listening to the conversation).

4. Near the end of our conversation she made this declaration:

"I feel much safer here with you having that gun than I would in a Panera Bread or a Starbucks where guns aren't allowed."

The entire conversation was quite entertaining and we cracked up the servers at least twice.

[WRW]

Good woman. She didn't have to say that, but folks do need to hear it.

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[Palladin]

Rock on!

[SHMIV]

Nice.

This is an example of open carry done right, and why I like open carry.

I recently had a conversation with my aunt on the topic. She's kind of a fence sitter, but has kind of a "CNN" view, just from watching the news. As I was discussing it with her, and giving her my opinion, I could tell that I was offering view points that she'd never thought to consider.

Alan, you are a great ambassador. Good work.

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[Monkey]

Prime example of a "Good Guy with a Gun."

Nice job!

[ShotgunBlast]

[MarcSpaz]

Great story. I love hearing about positive experiences.

[seeknulfind]

Great story Alan. We certainly need more positive things like this occurring in public.

Andy

[Kreutz]

I had no idea people ate at Red Lobster.

[dusterdude]

I do,every now and again

[Reverenddel]

I know that Red Lobster/Olive Garden/Longhorn are owned by Darden Restaurants, and have banned firearms from their stores... I guess Alan had a manager who decided "SAFE" than "SORRY".

Still won't go into a Buffalo Wild Wings, or a Dennys after they BOTH tried to eject OFF DUTY COPS after they IDENTIFIED themselves. (shakes head)

I don't open carry often, but when I do, I usually avoid places that would create conflict. That whole "no wake" mentality of dealing with people.

But Alan may have convinced me that perhaps not everyone is a d'bahg that isn't carrying, but just uninformed.

[dusterdude]

Not true,darden sold rl or og while back and i have yet to see a no guns sign at the colonial heights rl

[Reverenddel]

DUSTER! YOU JUST MADE MY GIRLFRIEND'S ENTIRE MONTH! ROCK ON!!!! I CAN GO AGAIN! WHOO HOO!

[dusterdude]

Glad i can help ya out rev

[snatale42]

But Alan may have convinced me that perhaps not everyone is a d'bahg that isn't carrying, but just uninformed.

I feel MOST are in this catagory. Can't really blame them eaither, unless your into guns and know better all they have to go by is the crap that the libs and antis push on them, sadly they do a much better job getting their views out than we do.

I flipped quite a few myself, sometimes it's hard not to flip out on them when they spew some textbook bs anti slogan, but again, most people only see the one side.

The only right that should be forcefully removed is a liberals right to reproduce

Apologies to any gun loving lefties on here....your cool! Haha.

[TacticalMom]

That is a great story and interaction.

[Jfost11]

I know that Red Lobster/Olive Garden/Longhorn are owned by Darden Restaurants, and have banned firearms from their stores... I guess Alan had a manager who decided "SAFE" than "SORRY".

Still won't go into a Buffalo Wild Wings, or a Dennys after they BOTH tried to eject OFF DUTY COPS after they IDENTIFIED themselves. (shakes head)

I don't open carry often, but when I do, I usually avoid places that would create conflict. That whole "no wake" mentality of dealing with people.

But Alan may have convinced me that perhaps not everyone is a d'bahg that isn't carrying, but just uninformed.

Not true,darden sold rl or og while back and i have yet to see a no guns sign at the colonial heights rl

Darden's policy does not ban weapons carried by a customer. The only ban on weapons they have is for their employees.

http://www.2acheck.com/darden-restaurants-rating/

The entire family of Darden Restaurants respects the customers’ right to bear arms. We received confirmation from their very responsive and helpful Guest Relations people that their policies are applied uniformly from corporate across their entire portfolio of companies (listed above.) In addition, no manager may post a “no guns” sign in a location where it is legal to carry a firearm. We have been given a phone number to call if we see an inappropriately posted sign. (1-800-562-7837)

Below is one of several emails we received confirming their policy:

Dear (2ACheck):
Our guests’ safety is our number one priority and we are committed to delighting all of our guests with an outstanding dining experience.
If a state or local government allows or does not specifically ban weapons (concealed and/or open) in restaurants that serve alcohol, we don’t ban them either. Even if businesses are allowed to “opt out” by posting signage indicating weapons are not allowed, we don’t believe in implementing procedures that conflict with what the state or local government intends. Our company has faced this situation in several cities and there haven’t been any issues from not posting an “opt out” sign.
We do not allow employees to carry weapons while working. However, if state or local laws allow employees to keep a weapon in their personal vehicle while on the job, we follow the law as written.
These policies are the same for all the brands in Darden Restaurants’ portfolio, and as with all of our company policies they are not subject to an individual manager’s discretion. If you were to see a “no guns” sign in a Darden restaurant where concealed and/or open-carry weapons are legally allowed, please contact our Guest Relations Department at 1-800-562-7837 and we will follow up with that restaurant management team.
I hope this answers your questions, (2ACheck), and we hope to see you in one of our restaurants soon!
We appreciate the time you took to contact us.
Sincerely,
Shari
Red Lobster Guest Relations

Darden did recently sell Red Lobster to a San Francisco based company. I was curious about what the new parent company's stance was on the issue. This thread gives me hope that they either feel the same way as Darden or just want to leave well enough alone. I'm glad all went well for the OP.

[AlanM]

I've been open carrying in the Charlottesville Red Lobster now for over a year and have had several conversations with the manager.
She is well aware that I carry as I don't make an effort to hide my 1911. It's never been brought up in conversation.
The wait staff is also quite aware of my being armed and since I am beyond middle age and use a walker, it's obvious that I'm not an LEO.
It never ceases to amaze me how unconcerned, blasé if you will, people in this very blue county are WRT to firearms.