Business & Tech

Joe Leone's Cuts Ties With Barilla, Gets Mixed Reaction

Business still busy, despite some backlash.

A line of people pointed out the variety of dishes behind the counter at the Joe Leone's location in Point Beach this week, admiring the mixed grilled vegetables, the chicken parmesan, and the fresh-baked breads being pulled from the oven.

It didn't seem to matter to any of them that just a few days before, owner Joe Leone had severed ties with Barilla Pasta after comments made by CEO Guido Barilla on an Italian radio show.

"I would never do an advert with a homosexual family … if the gays don’t like it they can go and eat another brand," Barilla reportedly said, going on to criticize gay adoption.

After the outcry, Guido Barilla took to Twitter to apologize; the company also posted an apology on the company's website and on the Barilla US Twitter stream.

But Leone said that his decision has not been swayed by the apology. He said he made the decision because: "I cannot support a company that believes in taking the stance they took ... I know people who live their lives in the way he doesn't agree with, and I support them."

Leone said reactions to his decision, similar to reactions to Barilla's comments, have been mixed.

"We have had over 11,0000 hits on our Facebook and more positive than good," Leone said. "But what's really important to note is that there is a lot of hate out there. People are questioning my religious beliefs, my political beliefs, everything."

But for every negative comment, Leone points out, he has gotten 10-20 more positive comments.

As for the leftover Barilla pasta, Leone donated it all to the Foodbank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties.

Since severing ties with Barilla, Leone has found himself in the center of attention, fielding phone calls from news crews, supporters, and yes, haters, from across the country.

But despite this newly-found fame, Leone said he is just looking forward to getting back to his business. He said he never cut ties with Barilla for publicity. In fact, he says, he wasn't even going to say anything until a newspaper reporter called him and asked him if he had severed ties.

"I never thought when I answered them, that I'd be getting calls from all over," he said. For now, he said, "I am just moving on, making bread and making food that I am proud to represent at my own table."


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