It’s hard to believe, but this month will mark 21 years since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 . While there’s no shortage of ways that people are marking the anniversary — generally through quiet reflection or paying it forward with good deeds — one restaurant made a bold choice that backfired when it hit social media.
Read on, because this one’s an absolute doozy.
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The memories have faded somewhat.
Time is healing the wounds of 9/11. The massive dust clouds over Manhattan and images of devastation at the Pentagon have given way to rebuilt skylines and increased vigilance surrounding any kind of potential terrorist activity.
The day will be marked with the regular ceremonies.
The 21st anniversary likely won’t be as big an event as the 20th anniversary was, but there will still be solemn ceremonies held at the site of Ground Zero for the families of victims.
One restaurant is trying something a little bit different.
Most restauranteurs would not be at all down with the concept of a fun 9/11-themed novelty menu, but one restaurant — The Clubhouse at Aquia Harbour Country Club in Virginia — evidently has different idea.
Let’s get a better look at that menu.
There’s a lot to unpack here. Whatever you think of the menu, it’s hard to argue with the fact that they fully committed to their concept menu. Practically everything they sell has a 9/11 theme.
This sort of thing used to be satire.
The Onion came out with this satirical take on a Subway ad just a few years after the attacks, but it was just that — satire. The country club restaurant seemed to be making their menu in earnest.
The menu can be critiqued in more ways than one.
Obviously the whole thing comes off as insensitive, but this Twitter user raises another good point: the theming is kind of weird. It’s like they played free association with 9/11 and seafood products.
What will they think of next?
If we’re going to make menus themed around some of history’s worst atrocities, why stop at 9/11? There’s a whole world of human misery that you can transfer onto a seafood menu.
The restaurant has apologized and changed their menu.
George White, manager of the restaurant, has issued an apology and changed the menu . Some tweets supported White, even if they tried to make OP seem like the true villain for sharing the menu in the first place.
It’s a real trip.
While we’re all dunking on the unforced error of this country club restaurant, let’s also remember that it’s hardly the first time a business has tried to use the tragedy to drum up business.
Let us know what you think in the comments.
