Trudeau had lunch at their brasserie on July 29, Lone Oak said in a Facebook post Saturday.
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“We want to be clear that any elected official from a democratic country, representing any political stripe, is welcome at Lone Oak and we’d be happy to take a picture with them,” the brewery said. After the photo with Trudeau was posted on Facebook, Lone Oak said it received a chain of negative and vulgar comments, private messages and phone calls directed at the business and its staff. The company posted a photo on Facebook of its van with a broken windshield on Saturday. Story continues below ad “The hate is still there and this time it’s gone too far,” the company said in its Facebook post. “Delivery driver found Lone Oak vandalized this morning as seen in photo attached to this post.” They said they have been in contact with law enforcement and are taking the necessary steps to protect their staff. Lone Oaks also edited its Facebook post featuring Trudeau that it says reached more than 150,000 people and removed the photo that showed the prime minister “getting comments sexualizing our staff,” the brewery said. Trending Stories
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Lone Oak’s Google and Facebook reviews were also attacked by people who had never visited the facility, according to the brewery. “Ratings went from a 4.8/5 to a 2.8/5 at their lowest point,” Lone Oak said, but have since returned to their previous level after speaking to CBC last Friday about the situation. Following that coverage, Lone Oak said it also received many supportive calls from the community. 1:41 How Summerside, PEI, is leading Canada’s renewable energy revolution How Summerside, PEI, is leading Canada’s renewable energy revolution The business said staff were loving the positivity, but added that “the hate is still there and it’s gone too far” after the alleged act of vandalism. Story continues below ad “We want to let everyone know that law enforcement has been contacted and we are taking the necessary steps to keep our staff safe,” Lone Oak said. The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) sent a statement to Global News Sunday condemning the hate Lone Oak is receiving. “The Prime Minister was delighted to have lunch, meet with people from the community and support a strong small business,” the statement said. “It is completely unacceptable that the owners and staff have faced threats and violence,” he added. The PMO spokesman said they were “happy that everyone is safe”. “It’s heartening to see the community continue to step up, condemn the despicable attacks and fully support the great team at Lone Oak, reflecting the true spirit of Islanders and all Canadians.” © 2022 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
