Fiore Moletz said he’s been criticized for many decisions made since he opened his Butler County restaurant more than a decade ago.
So when posts started to appear online criticizing a drag show brunch Mr. Moletz scheduled at his Burgh’ers Brewery in Zelienople for Sunday, he said he wasn’t surprised. He’s felt the heat from the community in the past.
“But it’s also been about the support from people,” he said.
On a Facebook page representing the Butler County boroughs of Zelienople and Harmony, some have commented that the drag brunch has no place in the community, and that such events shouldn’t be held with children in attendance.
“Sad that you need to stoop to this to maintain a business. I’d close,” one user commented on a WXPI-TV Facebook post sharing the news.
“I’m gonna have to look it up so I know never to step foot in a disgraceful place like that,” another wrote.
Despite the criticism, Mr. Moletz said the drag show brunch sold out quickly, with more than 100 tickets claimed. The burger and brewery’s patio will be open Sunday in order to accommodate more people while the main space is closed for the drag brunch, which runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., he said.
The performers for Sunday’s brunch are local residents, Mr. Moletz said.
Zelienople Police Chief James Miller said his department is “monitoring the situation” regarding the online comments, and is ready to assist the restaurant if necessary.
Even with the negative comments, Mr. Moletz said it’s important to focus on the positivity and support from community members and other local businesses.
“I want to kind of change the narrative, about how supportive the borough has been, whether it’s the police, other businesses, and people are saying how happy they are that I’m going through with this,” he said. “I’m real happy with that; we’re here for anything, and we’re here to include anybody, whether it’s a drag show or a church group, as long as it’s good for the community.”
First Published: May 18, 2023, 6:40 p.m.
Updated: May 19, 2023, 9:47 a.m.