San Francisco restaurant owners apologize after refusing service to on-duty police officers

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — There is growing reaction and backlash following a San Francisco restaurant’s decision to deny service to three on-duty police officers. On Sunday, an apology was issued from restaurant owners who now say they regret the move.

North Beach business owner Joseph Zira was disappointed to learn that three on duty San Francisco Police officers were recently denied service at Hilda and Jesse Restaurant on Union Street, just two blocks from Central station.

“I hope one day, they don’t need the police, and don’t need help,” said Zira.

The incident happened Friday at the new trendy eatery, where three uniformed officers were seated but were then asked to leave because staffers became uncomfortable. Co-owner Rachel Sillcocks told our Dion Lim exclusively on Saturday, it had nothing to do with who they were but what they were carrying.

“It’s not about the fact that we are anti-police, it is about the fact that we do not allow weapons in our restaurant, we were uncomfortable and asked them to leave,” Sillcocks said.

Sillcocks said the officers were welcome to come back to the restaurant when they are off-duty, without their weapons.

The decision ignited a firestorm of controversy on social media where some called for boycott of Hilda.

And negative Yelp reviews started piling on, giving the eatery one star.

Late Sunday came a surprise development, an apology from the restaurant owners.

“We made a mistake and apologize for the unfortunate incident, we are grateful to all members of the force. We hope this will be a teachable moment for us as we repair and continue to build bridges with the SFPD,” said Hilda and Jesse owners, Rachel Sillcocks and Kristina Leidags Compton.

But for some, the damage was done.

The San Francisco Police Officer’s Association told us in a statement, “Three foot beat officers looking to eat where they patrol were treated without any tact of class by this establishment, fortunately there are plenty of restaurants that don’t discriminate and will welcome our officers working to try and keep all San Franciscans safe.”

The Golden Gate Restaurant Association echoed that, “We strongly support a non-discrimination policy for everyone… we encourage all restaurants to work to get to know your local police officers.”

“It’s my second time here, I had pancakes and avocado toast,” said Desiree Barrera.

Barrera says she’ll keep supporting this restaurant.

“I think this whole thing has been blown out of proportion for a blue lives matter thing, it’s just about the weapons not the police,” she said.