Facts

New York Restaurant Offends With "Big Straight Ice Cream"

Joanna Fantozzi|

Gallo Nero in New York City's West Village has stirred up some icy controversy with the release of their new advertising campaign for their "Big Straight Ice Cream" cones and cups — a clear jab at popular neighboring ice cream shop, Big Gay Ice Cream. Gallo Nero is also down the block from the Stonewall Inn, the epicenter of New York's LGBT rights movement.

Regardless of whether the advertisement was meant to be hateful or simply a "nod" to their competition, bloggers and local residents agree that the sign is tacky and disrespectful. Big Gay Ice Cream tweeted about the sign in question yesterday, simply suggesting that Big Gay ice cream fans "pop in & let 'em know what you think of this advertising campaign."

According to Gothamist, Gallo Nero sees no issue with the sign. "What's the issue? We can call our ice cream whatever we want," said a manager. When asked if the sign was directed toward Big Gay Ice Cream, or if it could be interpreted as homophobic, he said: "They have their own way, we have our own way." 

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Joanna Fantozzi is an Associate Editor with The Daily Meal. Follow her on Twitter@JoannaFantozzi

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