Black People…we at The Drum have been consistent in letting you know that you are the least respected race on the planet. Not Africans, BLACK AMERICANS. Thanks to Facebook, people are more than willing to share what’s happened to them and to put names on blast. So, today The Drum is sharing a post from the Facebook wall of Toshiba Latoi Adams. It’s about an incident she had at one of Black Milwaukee’s fave hangouts Elsa’s on the Park. I cannot understand why Black People go there anyway, the chicken is horrible, the drinks overpriced, and you aren’t wanted. Yet, you Black People are drawn there like a moth to a flame…after this, you may not be. Here’s Sister Toshiba’s post.
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My sister and I were dining at Elsa’s on The Park tonite and Carl’s (the owner’s) girlfriend stated that African Americans are the worst customers EVER and that blacks are the reason that there is a war on poverty and drugs bc “u people don’t give a “SH#@” about “yourselves or anybody else. She also went on to say that “we don’t want you people in here”. Sadly, Carl stood by and watched. What a sad day in Milwaukee. — with Meshika Stewart at Elsa’s On The Park.
Toshiba Latoi Adams @Latrisa NappyBeauty – I am beyond serious. This particular lady was not Black…she was of European decent. She originally began conversing with Shika and I; however, on the picture that I posted on my wall, she was standing up yelling and screaming at all the Black people in the restaurant. She was saying “we don’t want you people in here anyway” —sooooooo, all the Black people stopped eating and walked out w/o paying. Even the cooks came out of the kitchen – - they were all Black too. SMH at the ignorance that was witnessed tonight.
Toshiba Latoi Adams @Monique Yvette – my sister and I were sitting at our table conversing about the poor service we had received that night; we were genuinely concerned and even spoke with Carl about our experience. He stated that he didn’t have time to listen to our concerns in detail but that I could come back on Saturday when he was working. His gf came to our table, introduced herself as Carl’s girlfriend and proceeded to deliver her speech about Black people as customers; she pin-pointed Black women, in particular. She was just that bold…she pulled up a chair at our table and proceeded to tell us about ourselves. It was crazy…I had never experienced anything like this in my life. I’m serious when I said that I had to pray my way out of the restaurant…I still can’t believe this transpired; I have been dining at Elsa’s since I was in high school. But again…I believe his gf was intoxicated from various substances bc she carried herself in an unusually disrespectful and ignorant manner.
More insight on Mr. Cop and his girlfriend. Interesting comments in this article from Mary Freeman.
http://www.avclub.com/milwaukee/articles/know-your-customers-owner-of-kopps-frozen-custard,75284/
Blacks in America have always gone where we are not wanted. Thats the only way we’ve known. Milwaukee in particular, has never welcomed blacks with open arms. But that has not stopped us from marching our way right up from the ‘little Africa’ of down town Milwaukee in the 40′s and 50′s all the way to the various places we now think of as historic black neighborhoods. So why stop now. Back then we didnt stop. We simply took over.
I like that… U rite…
I find this story quite interesting as Karl Kopp is gay and wouldn’t have a girlfriend
She is on loan/ for show, we all know Herb Kohl is his alleged true love!
I keep seeing people say that he is gay…did he make a public service announcement that he is gay or does everyone just assume this??? Also I’ve heard that he was married before so how is him having a girlfriend so far fetched?
You really need to hear the FULL story before making judgment, a couple friends my husband and i were trying to enjoy some cocktails and aps but these two “victoms” complained about everything. We counted and they literally sent back 4 cosmopolitans each and everything else and the poor waitress couldn’t keep up. although carls girlfriend was in the wrong for some things she said these woman were not acting like civilized human beings either. all parties were drinking and in the wrong.
I can belive maybe people where intoxicated after all its a full bar.. The fact still stays the same when race is even thrown into play…its touchy and everyone should no that drunk or not.
So what they complained that’s our right as customers spending our mOney I wouldve sent it back too until they got it right!!!!
I’m very upset about this incident, to put it mildly..im ashamed to have even readed this. Some people must bite there words for the sake of others sanity.. # unreal!
Do any of you people even know correct grammar? I feel like I’m reading a third grader’s essay on civil rights…
Dont make this situwation about spelling stick to the facts! Lawyer!
The only fact I know is that Whites will be glad to get Elsa’s back. You people will have to find a new restaurant to ruin.
Who r u people? I’m of Asia… Grow from love not hate…learn from this!
You people? Those words say a lot about you.
Regardless if The owner is gay straight trans or bisexual. Regardless if the patrons were being difficult or great. Restaurants deal with difficult customers of every race. The objectivity of the matter is the woman (gf or restaurant representative her actual title doesn’t even matter in the context of this story truthfully) represented on behalf of the restaurant and was not fire immediately or was she dealt with properly by management. She made this horrible racial statement that should have never been said in that establishment to a patron.
As a black person who has worked at Elsa’s and other upscale establishments, I am not shocked by her statement. As servers we do cringe when we have to take care of black people! They’re usually the loudest,most high maintenance, and WORST TIP GIVERS!!!! NOW she had no right giving a sermon on the problems of blacks. As far as waiting on them though, no race wants to. It’s a waste of time usually, and it fucks our money up
It does matter if it was Karl’s girlfriend or not (which he doesn’t have) because as I am reading this, the woman whom made these stupid comments isn’t an emplpyee nor does she represent Elsa’s. Sounds to me it was some drunk girl that obviously DIDN’T know the owner, obviously if she states she is his girlfriend, and maybe the restaurant is being wrongfully accused when she has no affiliation, that is all I am saying. I am not defending her actions, I am defending the the restaurant may be wrongfully blamed for something that they didn’t do or have any control of. I go to Elsa’s often and when I have gone there the last 10 years it has been predominantly African American, and there have never been these problems before
It DOES matter if it was Karl’s girlfriend or not (which he doesn’t have) because as I am reading this, the woman whom made these stupid comments isn’t an employee, nor does she represent Elsa’s. It sounds to me like it was some drunk girl that obviously DIDN’T know the owner, obviously if she states she is his girlfriend, and maybe the restaurant is being wrongfully accused when she has no affiliation, that is all I am saying. I am not defending her actions, I am defending the the restaurant may be wrongfully blamed for something that they didn’t do or have any control of. I go to Elsa’s often and when I have gone there the last 10 years it has been predominantly African American, and there have never been these problems before
I’m not one to add to this mess, but I have to say I was there last week and was asked my friends (why are you going there did you hear what happen) my answer was yes I heard and will not allow that mess to dictate where I spend my time.
But to be honest, you have to ask yourself what was going on to cause this commotion. I mean this lady (who ever she was) didn’t just say I’m will sit and mess with them today. I know how to conduct myself when out and do it with class. I have never had a problem there. If they don’t want African Americans there they sure don’t show it. I mean keep it real everyone *ignorance is in all races* not just black. CHILL PEOPLE
She is definitely his girlfriend, I worked there for a bit and had the unfortunate experience of meeting her. I dont know Carl that well but from what I do know I would say that he is a good and fair guy. I cant explain him sitting there and not saying anything because I wasn’t there, but that is way out of character. As far as that mess of a girlfriend (who hit on me AND my friend), she seemed completely out of it to from the day I met her…Xanax* would be an educated guess… *lots of it
I know young (compared to 80) ladies can make guys do crazy sh*t but Carl needs to cut that cord. There are more-surgically enhanced-fish in the sea…less haggard too. The truth is that she has problems, but if Carl really felt this way he would have stopped serving wings a long time ago.Think about it people.
Does anyone have contact information for Carl Kopp? I can’t find anything line and I’d like to send him a letter. Whether or not these people were rude, the worst customers ever, or not, his girlfriend should not be speaking like that in his restaurant and if he is going to allow it without stepping in. If people organize and make this public they will lose business and he will lose money. POC are a large part of the Elsa’s and Kopps clientele and I’ve spoken to many white people who will also not support a business owner that will allow this.
So you’re going to send a letter complaining about an incident you didn’t witness but you heard about it on the internet…? That’s genius.
As a former waitress in various establishments and as a black woman, I can say that black women are the absolute worst to wait on! They are quick complain, try to get everything comped, and are terrible tippers. Having said that, if you work in any part ofthe restaurant industry and want to generate income…you learn to bite your tongue and ALWAYS provide the best customer service possible.
As a black woman I’m shocked by this situation at Elsa’s on the Park. Lol. I mean I’ve never been there to the establishment, but heard that the restaurant is overpriced and that it’s nothing special. But I still would like to go to experience for myself. Everybody on this page has their opinion and I respect that, but I know I’m a great tipper. That woman who made all that commotion was probably drunk out of her mind. Lol. She had some suppressed feelings going on and she let them out. Now for some of your comments about waiting on black women or just blacks in general I make an effort to make the waiter, he or she feel very comfortable as much as possible. I don’t want anybody doing anything to my food, if y’all know what I mean.
I know this subject has fallen by the wayside but I just recently heard about it…..
I’m pretty shocked at the inaccuracy stated throughout this article, do any of you actually know Karl Kopp? Next time you see him ask to have a look at his pictures on his Iphone, he has about 300, look back a year or two and I think you’ll be pleasantly suprised. Mary and Karl have done more for the black community of Milwaukee than most can and will ever do. Toshiba’s statement is not entirely true and she seems to of left out a fair bit of what Mary actually said once she pulled a chair over.
I’d like to finish by asking has anyone looked into what Mary Freeman has been doing to help black children over the last 10 years?
I’ve known Karl for 20 years +/-. He’s not gay. His daughter and ex-wife wouldn’t appreciate that ignorant statement. He is kind to gay people, black people…all kinds of people. He’s not a racist. Very few of the people commenting here witnessed the incident and have no idea what they’re talking about. It’s like playing telephone. By the end, the facts are hard to find. It sounds to me that no one was well behaved that night.
I know Mary also. She IS Karl’s girlfriend. People are saying nasty things about her and they don’t even know her. They are actually a sweet loving couple with what appears to be a very happy and healthy relationship.
She cares very much about the black community and has put her energy and time into issues to help the black community..probably a hell of a lot more time and energy than most black people posting here.
Ask yourselves: really…what have I done for the black community lately? What have I done for anyone other than myself lately?
I’m pretty sure Mary is no angel but she is kind hearted with good intentions. Is it possible that there was a lot of assumption, miscommunication and misinterpretation that evening? I also have no doubt Mary is capable of being a real bitch when the moment is ripe. Who isn’t?
If the “victims” poured drinks over May’s head as was said, then it sounds like everyone was out of control…girls gone wild! It was also said that they each returned their drinks 4 or 5 times. Really? Is that necessary or just being provocative? How bad could the drinks be? I’ve never had a bad drink there in all these years.
Sounds like something more is going on here.
Karl’s restaurant in New York (in a fancy white neighborhood) is a favorite place of the black and asian crowd among others. Karl is proud of that. They are a stylish fun bunch of people that are always enjoying themselves. They sure look like they feel welcome to me. I happen to know they are welcome and appreciated by Karl.
I know that for a fact.
I think some of you need to be better informed about the facts and re-think this situation and question what really happened. It all just sounds so wrong.
Why give up going to a fun place where everyone is welcome? Isn’t that kind of like cutting off your nose to spite your face.
Look into Mary’s efforts to help the black community and others and at Karl’s long history, not one stupid alcohol fuel night.
And hey, what’s up with black guys calling each other “Nigga”? When I was growing up, that was the ugliest word imaginable. I know it’s hip now but it still sounds ugly to me. Do the young kids saying that know how much pain was inflicted with that word? I must be getting old. Yea. An old white guy (who moved from Columbus because it was so white and boring to New York where it’s so colorful and diverse).
Anyway, Come on People! Can’t we all get along? Find the best in people. Don’t look for the worst. This is 2012.
P.S. Check out: http://www.jackshainman.com/artist-images44.html …Representing some of the most interesting African and African American art in the world. He’s been getting this work into the most important art museums in the world. He’s an old white guy too.
This story seems exagerated at least. The actions described are rediculous. If a person was out of control enough to make statements and act the way they are accused of, I highly doubt they took the time to have “pulled up a chair”. And, I don’t believe for a second that someone would sit and allow that person to talk after pulling up a chair to their table. I can see this entire thing play out. The customers were unhappy about something, complained about it, still weren’t happy, and continued to push it. Then someone, acting in defense of the establishment got involved, at some point they might have gone overboard in their actions and statements. If you’re unhappy, voice your displeasure, and then leave. Do not go back. Trash them on your facebook. I’ve seen situations like what happened, and it is almost every time started by the customer. Guess what, the customer is NOT always right.