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* Yesterday…
Within hours of Pritzker proclaiming the latest move to try and curb the spread of the coronavirus, a 12-feet-long, 3-feet-wide spray-painted black on white background message across the front of the restaurant proclaimed:
“Governor Pritzker — Screw You.”
Peggy Brandon, the owner of the restaurant at 114 W. Market St., said Sunday afternoon that public reaction had ranged from anger to support and she remained unrepentant.
“I did it myself because he (Pritzker) had no business shutting my business down,” said Brandon, 57.
* Today…
Rosati’s of Taylorville, the defiant pizza restaurant that posted a huge window sign that said “Gov. Pritzker — Screw You” after the governor announced a statewide restaurant shutdown, has lost its franchise with the Rosati’s chain.
A letter from Rosati’s head office displayed on a Facebook page, which the Warrenville-based company confirmed to the Herald & Review Monday was genuine, slammed Taylorville franchisee Peggy Brandon for her “juvenile approach.”
It added: “Because this franchisee does not hold our same values, we have terminated their franchise.” […]
Brandon said 20 employees would be left without a paycheck in an overreaction to a disease that has yet to produce a single case in Christian County. “And yet he (Pritzker) wants me and my servers to go without income for two weeks. Is the government going to pay us? Hell no, they’re not. Pritzker is a (expletive expletive). He needs to go.”
Full statement…
Seems a bit harsh.
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 5:08 pm
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Not nearly as harsh as what could be about to happen in this country if we don’t take this seriously.
Comment by Southern Illinois Mayor Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 5:13 pm
Way too harsh.
Comment by Driving a car Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 5:13 pm
I mean, if this is the way she is with the Governor, imagine how she talks to the folks at the home office.
She is destroying their brand, they were right to take swift and decisive action.
Comment by Thomas Paine Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 5:17 pm
Harsh? Eh. If I ran a business, I wouldn’t want idiots smearing it with their nonsense.
Comment by AlfondoGonz Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 5:20 pm
I understand the worry and economic impact, but most businesses are reacting in the spirit of cooperation. This individual wanted to act out. She has a right to express her views, but Rosati also has a right to sever their relationship with her for the bad public relations.
Comment by Norseman Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 5:21 pm
And you owe us for the spray paint and pizza boxes.
Rosati’s don’t play. This isn’t Papa John’s.
Comment by Sammiches Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 5:24 pm
Running for office soon as a Republican, Peggy Brandon.
Comment by Former Downstater Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 5:24 pm
Rosati’s is taking the advice of the governor. They don’t want the terrible press coverage and public reaction that would come if someone with a case came through a restaurant or did so and died.
Comment by Precinct Captain Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 5:24 pm
They may have been able to save face with public disavowal. I agree it was a juvenile overreaction on her part, but shutting her business down, the nuclear option, seems too much as the first strike
Comment by Perrid Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 5:24 pm
Honestly out of all restaurants, a pizza place should be the least affected - pickup and delivery is already a major part of their business.
Comment by Oak Parker Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 5:26 pm
Maybe this genius Ms. Brandon would prefer having an employee get the virus from a customer then passing it on the customers they served and fellow employees and Ms. Brandon.
Comment by Give Me A Break Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 5:30 pm
I’m sympathetic to Peggy - who I suspect thinks of herself as a good Christian - in that there are a lot of people that aren’t that smart and until very recently have been fed nothing but lies from Fox and the Trump administration. They believe it’s an overreaction.
I’m much more sympathetic to Gov. Pritzker, who understands we’ve lost crucial weeks because of the president’s dereliction of duty, and even with these increasingly extreme actions, it’s still going to be very bad and many lives will be lost that might have been saved.
I give Rosati’s credit for realizing that the Peggys of this country are endangering all of us and EVERYONE is going to have to sacrifice.
The last time we had widespread, collective sacrifice was during the Depression & WWII. A lot has been forgotten about what we owe to each other in times of crisis.
Comment by Moe Berg Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 5:32 pm
See ya around Brando.
Comment by Washingtonian Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 5:39 pm
i was a fairly regular customer. it’s very unfortunate that the town had to lose a good restaurant option, and 20+ workers had to lose their jobs, so the owner could be a petulant child for half a day. way to go, peggy. great job.
Comment by Homer J. Quinn Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 5:41 pm
We are behind the actual statistics today, as the virus is being spread right now. Who’s to say there won’t be cases in Christian County tomorrow? Very irresponsible of the owner. Public health has to come first.
By the way we just ordered pizza a few minutes ago, so there’s delivery and pick-up.
Comment by Grandson of Man Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 5:42 pm
A huge segment of our society is either in complete denial or completely uninformed.
The massive crowds at Disney World last night and on the beach of Clearwater Florida today are not only proof but a tragic example of why this will get worse.
Comment by Dance Band on the Titanic Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 5:43 pm
-EVERYONE is going to have to sacrifice-
Some clearly much more than others, though.
Comment by JB13 Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 5:45 pm
People don’t do carryout in Taylorville?
Comment by Candy Dogood Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 5:47 pm
It’s another case of : You’re entitled to free speech. You are not entitled to be exempt from the consequences of your speech.
Comment by Teacher Lady Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 5:47 pm
Any franchised restaurant serving tomorrow and until the ban is lifted creates liability for the Franchisor, especially if they are aware that a franchisee will defy the law and then take no action.
Comment by Legal Beagle Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 5:48 pm
If you want to talk about a segment of the restaurant industry that is getting crushed by the coronavirus, look at the chinese restaurants. Prior to the outbreak, my local chinese restaurant typically had 3 or 4 cooks in the kitchen. I was in twice this past week and they had 1 cook waiting for orders. Through no fault of their’s, their business is being crushed. So order from your local chinese food joint. They need your support.
Comment by Huh? Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 5:48 pm
Justice is served. Serves them right for insulting a billionaire.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 5:49 pm
It was probably the second sign she put on the courthouse grounds across the street as well.
Comment by Outsider Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 5:50 pm
IF every business operator is willing to pay the healthcare cost for anybody who gets infected and all their employees, sure stay open. I know no one willing to put their money where their ideology is
Comment by truthteller Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 5:53 pm
Free speech is your right but your business is an actual extension of a larger company as a franchisee. You aren’t a mom and pop place started by your parents. You have a corporate responsibility.
If she was an executive within the company she would have been terminated for expressing the same thought on the company website.
Comment by Frank talks Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 5:54 pm
It seems like nearly every Rosati’s franchise is primarily - if not exclusively - a carry-out/delivery operation. Even if this woman runs a sit-down restaurant, the crass reality is that this situation is also an opportunity to boost delivery. If she doesn’t see that, I’d bet the folks at corporate do. This is the worst possible time to damage their brand and she seems less than entrepreneurial anyway. Not a harsh reaction at all.
Comment by TractionS Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 5:55 pm
I suspect they had problems with her in the past. The last straw was not the first straw.
Comment by Last Bull Moose Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 5:59 pm
Her sign during WW2 was, “**** the troops.”
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 5:59 pm
Our Rosati’s is almost always empty — mostly carry-out and delivery. I’m surprised that the loss of dine-in traffic would be so “disastrous.”
I feel like there’s more to this story…
Comment by Stuff Happens Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 6:05 pm
How did anyone like this land a franchise? Must’ve been someone else’s money that got it. She sounds like a child.
Comment by Alex Ander Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 6:06 pm
I beg all to step back and take a deep breath. Anxiety is high all over. We need to stick together. We will get through this. Our old union motto of ‘together we stand, divided we fall’s applied to lots of things.
Comment by Blue Dog Dem Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 6:10 pm
JB is a political creature. What he is doing is a total over reaction solely motivated by a desire to get on the talk show circuit.
Comment by Pure politics Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 6:16 pm
She lost her franchise, not her business. She can rebrand as an independent. It will cost her extra money, but it’s her only option other than talking to Rosati’s about returning the franchise if she does an apology tour of the media.
Comment by Norseman Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 6:17 pm
=== What he is doing is a total over reaction solely motivated by a desire to get on the talk show circuit. ===
Maybe. But plenty of other governors and mayors are doing the same thing. Indiana just closed restaurants and bars, for example https://fox59.com/news/coronavirus/indianapolis-bars-restaurants-gyms-and-movie-theaters-set-to-close-by-8-a-m-tuesday-in-coronavirus-response/
You need to get out of your own hazy head once in a while. It’s unbecoming.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 6:24 pm
The Trolls evidently haven’t been watching their leader. He’s finally catching up with the recommendations of JB, DeWine, etc.
I have to admit today’s press conference was a fair performance for Trump. I suspect someone finally got through to him that drastic action now will shorten the hit on his election chances.
Comment by Norseman Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 6:24 pm
==What he is doing is a total over reaction==
Since you’re from the future…why didn’t you bring the covid-19 vaccine along with you?
Comment by Jocko Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 6:28 pm
“How did anyone like this land a franchise?”
Ask Dr. Willie Wilson who owned several fast food franchises.
Comment by Practical Politics Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 6:31 pm
Minnesota just followed as well. Gyms and movie theaters need to close too.
Comment by ArchPundit Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 6:32 pm
Seems a bit harsh?
But you ban people for internet message board comments.
Rosatis is real world.
Comment by Real Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 6:33 pm
If you have a local joint you love, you might consider calling or internetting them to buy a gift certificate or two at this time. It would help their cash flow and their workers now, and you can enjoy the meal later after this is all over. Restaurants work on razor-thin profit margins and if they have no take-out business, they will really be hurt, so, put your money where your mouth -wants- to be, and help them out now.
Comment by Give Us Barabbas Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 6:35 pm
If someone posted something this foolish on a business with my name on it, I’d go 100% nuclear too.
– MrJM
Comment by @misterjayem Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 6:43 pm
===But you ban people for===
Not usually after the first time. Plus, that message of hers couldn’t get through my screens.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 6:44 pm
Franchises are notoriously strict. They can dump you for having the wrong size napkins. It’s a deal with the devil at times. You get somethings from the franchise company, advertising for example. But Ms. Brandon can sell pizza on her own and do ok.
Comment by All This Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 6:45 pm
If a business goes under the gift card is generally useless.
Consider it a non-chairitable donation wit that isnt eligible for a deduction
Comment by TAX CPA Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 6:48 pm
I live in a small town (around 2200 people.) The people here that own food businesses, where 1 bad month could tank them, are taking this in stride. The ice cream/dinner place here already has a plan for people to pick up at the window. They are not shrieking and throwing insults around, and I’m pretty sure they bring in less a month than this franchise did since it’s mostly local. Of course they probably have a more loyal clientele than this person too. They thought it through and figured out a solution.
Comment by HangingOn Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 6:49 pm
If this is all there is to the story then perhaps it’s harsh.
If they asked her to apologize for damage control and she refused- after all she is unrepentant - I’d say it was the right move.
You can’t damage your brand with a rogue operator.
Comment by Proud Papa Bear Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 6:50 pm
Its a franchise - you can’t do harm to the brand or the name without risking your relationship under contract. I’m sure she can change the name to “Peggy’s Profane Pizza”, and see how she does without the Rosati’s name. The employees are hers, not Rosati’s. Pizza delivery will THRIVE while restaurants are closed to sit down service. Come on already.
Comment by Lincoln Lad Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 7:07 pm
Due process???
Comment by Elliott Ness Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 7:14 pm
-Elliott Ness
How about due process to all the other franchise owners who don’t want to be linked to nonsense like this franchisee chose to demonstrate through her actions? Who’s protecting their business value and reputation? The franchisor has a responsibility to protect them from her. There is a contract that enables them to do that, and that’s what they are doing.
Comment by Lincoln Lad Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 7:21 pm
== Due process???===
Welcome to the privatization of America. Live and die by the Contract, not the Constitution.
Comment by North Park Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 7:26 pm
Those griping about all of these closures and other emergency changes on behalf of a business better make sure they are properly registered as lobbyists.
Comment by Kick in the Pants Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 7:47 pm
- Former Downstater - Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 5:24 pm:
Running for office soon as a Republican, Peggy Brandon.
================================================
Knowing the area down there,the GOP will want her to run and she would more than likely get elected.
Nauseating isn’t it?
Comment by btowntruth from forgottonia Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 7:48 pm
- Driving a car - Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 5:13 pm:
Way too harsh.
===================================================
Nope.
She got reminded that she is the franchisee and not the franchisor.
Rosati’s sandbox,Rosati’s rules.
No company in their right mind is going to allow one of their franchisees to put signs up like that.
Comment by btowntruth from forgottonia Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 7:54 pm
~~But plenty of other governors and mayors are doing the same thing. Indiana just closed restaurants and bars, for example ~~
Yeah but he has an R after his name. It’s different. /s
Comment by jimbo Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 8:01 pm
All Parties were/are wrong… one thing for certain, I will never eat at this chain again for revoking
the franchise.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 8:03 pm
As a former franchisee of a large international franchise brand. I understand how agreement terms can appear harsh. Franchisees are “required” to always uphold the brand in public. My franchise agreement had a few immediate termination clauses, most could be cured. Illinois franchise law may, I say may, allow the franchisee some rights.
Comment by Former ‘zee Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 8:04 pm
=== will never eat at this chain again for revoking the franchise.===
… to own the libs.
I’d stay anonymous too, lol
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 8:05 pm
Due process? You do realize that it doesn’t apply to this, right? Right?
Comment by Fixer Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 8:10 pm
Rosati’s pizza stinks
Comment by Name/Nickname - May soon be required Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 8:19 pm
So, constitutional rights do not apply to this, you are a nut bucket sir, we always must preserve our rights
Comment by Elliott Ness Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 8:26 pm
I am referring to the governor and his original closures which Rosati’s blindly followed - HE DOES NOT HAVE POWER OVER CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS..I know Rosati’s has lost my business
Comment by Elliott Ness Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 8:29 pm
fixer…appropriate tag
Comment by Elliott Ness Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 8:30 pm
-Elliott Ness
Don’t buy a franchise if you are unwilling to follow the rules to operate under their name. Put your own name on the door, and do what you want. You have no right to hurt other people’s businesses operating under the brand. People put their life savings into franchise purchases. You can’t potentially harm them because you’re angry. There is no such right that trumps their rights to be protected.
Comment by Lincoln Lad Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 8:31 pm
Lincoln Lad- not how the Constitution works, Governor was wrong and over his skis
Comment by Elliott Ness Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 8:34 pm
We have a constitutional right to pizza? What article is that captured in? And specifically dine in pizza? Not just carry out and delivery?
Are there now certain states you won’t eat in for “constitutional” reasons?
Comment by Pundent Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 8:35 pm
The franchise rules include having your business shut down by the governor? Please think about what you are saying- is Rosati’s corporation willing to eat the losses? NOT
Comment by Elliott Ness Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 8:35 pm
Pungent, your response is so shallow one cannot wade in it
Comment by Elliott Ness Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 8:36 pm
Oops, meant Pundent, I think. I am referring to the larger issue here not the pizza, or the burger
Comment by Elliott Ness Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 8:38 pm
Franchise agreements routinely are written to protect all franchisees and the brand from a rogue operator. That is part of what you pay for… it’s what you want when you’re investing to operate under that brand. The Gov didn’t cancel her franchise agreement. Her actions triggered action by the franchisor under the contract. Most importantly, pizza delivery and carry out is likely a GREAT business to be in for the next two weeks. It hints at something more going on. She’ll likely be open again soon with no franchise fees as a private enterprise.
Comment by Lincoln Lad Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 8:45 pm
I hope you are correct Lad, she doesn’t need the Rosati ball and cha8n and spineless management
Comment by Elliott Ness Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 8:49 pm
She’ll also not have an advertising support, buying discounts, insurance discounts, or a banking relationship that favors franchisee success rates. I hope she knows what she’s doing.
Comment by Lincoln Lad Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 8:55 pm
Lots of independent operators make it and don’t have to listen to a spineless landlord - Rosati’s needs to get a grip
Comment by Elliott Ness Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 9:00 pm
I read the Facebook page where this was reported. On the page there were also allegations of Peggy having her pet dog in the restaurant near the food. And other questionable restaurant practices. Judging by the screenshots, those were reported to Rosati’s HQ as well. And there was also a story told about her harassing/trolling Union workers in Christian County outside her own establishment just last year.
It’s quite likely she was being looked at from multiple angles on multiple things. A martyr, she may not be.
Comment by Springfield Westsider Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 9:20 pm
Good info west wider, all of those reasons are perhaps better to lose a franchise than using her freedom of speech to harshly criticize the governor
Comment by Elliott Ness Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 9:23 pm
She can say what she wants about the governor and Rosati’s can react as they choose to. Nobody’s rights have been taken away. You might want to brush up a bit about what the constitution and state statutes say. If you’re questioning the governors authority to do what he did I’d suggest reading Rich’s other post on the topic.
And Pritzker is by no means an outlier in issuing a statewide order of this type.
Comment by Pundent Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 9:31 pm
Perhaps this post’s expert on constitutional law, Elliott Ness, will take the Governor to court on behalf of the restaurants. I’m sure he’s so passionate he’ll do it pro bono. Knowing that other governors have taken the same action as Pritzker, he’ll extend his assistance to those states as well.
Comment by Norseman Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 9:49 pm
Norseman- nice try but it doesn’t take an expert to understand simple concepts, don’t care how many do the wrong things, it is still wrong - he is NOT a king and legislative action does not and cannot make him one . That is why we no have courts and separation of powers
Comment by Elliott Ness Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 9:55 pm
Simple concepts? So now it’s not about the law but your understanding of simple concepts. Perhaps you should take Pritzker to court and ask them to hold him in contempt for violating simple concepts.
Comment by Pundent Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 10:05 pm
@Elliott Ness: Let’s review the basics of the Constitution: First, the guarantee of freedom of speech protects a person from the government. It does not protect a person from the consequences of breaching a contract between private parties. Second, if someone believes the governor is violating his or her legal rights, the person is entitled to petition the courts for redress. In other words, she could have filed a lawsuit challenging the governor’s decision to order a shutdown of in-restaurant dining.
Comment by Bourbon Street Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 10:07 pm
I should add that a person could be sanctioned if the judge finds that he or she filed a frivolous lawsuit.
Comment by Bourbon Street Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 10:23 pm
Elliott, I don’t need to try. Nobody with any legal cred buys your opinion.
The simple act of reading historical articles about the Spanish Flu will adequately discredit your uninformed argument. Federal and state officials have been reviewing and updating emergency powers law for decades. This took on greater importance after 9/11.
As Rich has admonished many times, this is the last time I’ll feed this troll.
Comment by Norseman Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 10:38 pm
Can someone tell me if JB is going to set up an LLC to pay this person?
Comment by TAX CPA Monday, Mar 16, 20 @ 11:06 pm
Listen you bunch of swines. We ALL. Need to be able to go bankrupt. And restart what we STARTED. I will alway eat your Peggy. You and your Staff. Are the best. I will go to. Your same place. When you rename. The BEST PIZZA. PEGGY’s PIZZA. Your. FRIEND.
Comment by Marty Wednesday, Mar 18, 20 @ 5:07 pm