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Israel/Zionism See other Israel/Zionism Articles Title: Danny Meyer responds to 9/11 café backlash Published: May 23, 2014 - 2:19 pm Danny Meyer, the restaurateur who was caught up in the firestorm this week over a private VIP party hosted by the National September 11 Memorial Museum told Crain's that he was surprised by the backlash against him for operating a café in the facility. He said that his intentions have been misunderstood. "We were humbled when the museum came to us, because they thought we could do a sensitive job," Mr. Meyer said. Mr. Meyer's catering arm, Union Square Events, was selected by the museum—in a request for proposals process—to run the Pavilion Café opening this summer. But the café has become a lightning rod of controversy among 9/11 family members and others who question whether a for-profit restaurant is an appropriate use of space in what is seen as sacred ground, where thousands of victims lost their lives. When the museum hosted a private party to thank its donors on the eve of its public opening on May 21, some 9/11 family members were turned away. Mr. Meyer and museum officials were immediately attacked for their insensitivity. Some critics say that the restaurant and gift store at the museum should not make a profit. Mr. Meyer made clear, however, that the café will serve just simple menu items as an amenity for ticketed museumgoers and will not be an upscale destination meant to attract crowds. "We won't have a different offering at 6 p.m. than we will have at 10 a.m.," Mr. Meyer said. He added that he does not know whether the café will host private events in the future, deferring to museum President Joe Daniels on the issue. "We asked the same question," said Mr. Meyer, referring to parties, adding, "Who in the world would want to have a party there?" In a statement provided to Crain's, Mr. Daniels defended this week's event. "We get no operating assistance from Washington. And so until we do, we will have to raise money to run the museum—and it is absolutely appropriate to thank donors who gave hundreds of millions of dollars and others, including family members, who worked so hard to make the museum a reality." A source close to the museum said that the backlash over the party will likely result in a decision not to host private events there again. A museum spokesman did not respond as to whether such a decision has been made. Paula Berry, who lost her husband on Sept. 11 and serves as a board member of the museum, said officials of the institution have made "every effort not to be flat-footed in everything we do, because it is sacred and hallowed ground without a doubt." She also acknowledged that the facility is "going through the growing pains of settling in," and that it is difficult to anticipate all the emotions and reactions it will trigger. Museum officials pointed out that the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum has a café and gift shop, as do other institutions that commemorate tragic events. "The café is appropriate because it's not meant for you to make reservations or have a date there," said Ms. Berry. "It's meant as a place to reflect. It's nourishment versus fine dining." Post Comment Private Reply Ignore Thread
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