The grand opening of a restaurant owned by Taste of Italy owners, was postponed due to a planned protest.
ALBANY, N.Y. (WNYT)- A planned protest outside Grazie Italian Kitchen in Albany has led the owner to postpone the restaurant’s grand opening.
Related: Anti-Muslim post tied to Latham restaurant sparks protest
Protesters were expected outside the restaurant on Northern Boulevard from 6 to 8 p.m. on July 15. The demonstration was planned by Indivisible Albany.
The restaurant is connected to the family behind Taste of Italy in Latham. That business has faced backlash since an anti-Muslim comment was posted from its Facebook page after the death of 7-year-old Harbe Nagi.
Harbe had been missing for two days and drowned in a backyard swimming pool in Menands. Wednesday evening the restaurant was dark, empty and locked.
Frank Capella, the owner, had been at the property earlier in the day and told NewsChannel 13 that the grand opening was not happening due to the planned protest.
Capella said he may wait weeks or months before opening the restaurant hinting that he may even sell the business.
Capella said he has put $275,000 into renovations at the restaurant.
When NewsChannel 13 spoke with Capella he seemed flustered and frustrated. He also said employees at Taste of Italy were quitting because people were threatening their lives.
Follow NewsChannel 13 online and on air for updates on this story.
More related stories:
Taste of Italy Facebook post sparks outrage over anti-Muslim comment
Colonie Police confirm responding to Taste of Italy multiple times in wake of anti-Muslim comment
New damage found outside Taste of Italy as controversy over social media post continues
For Related Stories: Taste of Italy Harbe Nagi Indivisible Albany Grazie Italian Kitchen grand opening Frank Capella Protest Latham Albany