An Ohio restaurant has come under fire after allegations of hair discrimination directed at its customers.
COPA Lounge in Cincinnati is getting torn up in these social media streets after a woman took to social media and claimed the owner denied her and her guests’ entry because the lace on one of the women’s lace front wig was visible, Bossip reported.
According to a multi-scene TikTok video filmed by Kennedy Mayes (@kcmayes on Instagram) and posted by The Neighborhood Talk on Instagram, the women made the reservation at COPA Lounge a month ago for their cousin’s birthday. Some of the women in the group even traveled from out of town to celebrate. Mayes said they made sure to follow the strict dress code, and as they made their way to security for the ID check, the owner pulled them to the side and explained their hair faux pas.
“He said that our cousin’s lace was visible, and he did not want us to come in,” Mayes said in the initial video right after they were denied entrance into the lounge. In a follow-up video, Mayes said that the owner also said that another cousin’s “crisscrosses,” referring to the netting in the part. The owner ultimately said they could not enter the restaurant.
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The owner, Jay Rodg, deservedly received his fair share of criticism for his actions. On Google Reviews, The Cincinnati lounge is currently sporting a 1.1-star rating. On the COPA Lounge Facebook page, comments range from constructively negative to downright cold-blooded. One commenter said, “You still look like an extra-large White Castle.”
It is not clear if the person who goes by Jeeps Creepers was talking about the lounge or the owner.
One Google reviewer named Brent Johnson said, “The owner of this bar is very disrespectful, and so are the employees. The customer service is terrible. They do not follow Covid guidelines, and nobody in the building was wearing masks. The owner didn’t even crack a smile. A terrible experience overall.”
Rodg’s kept the rude boy energy going by responding, “The owner, didn’t crack a smile? Maybe he didn’t wanna smile at you? Sheesh.”
How’s that for Cincinnati hospitality?
Other comments noted poor food quality, watery drinks, and a less than upper-crust atmosphere (because we don’t like the g-word) too picky for its own good.
What makes this worse is that COPA Lounge is a Black-owned restaurant. Black business is a godsend unless it perpetuates the trend of coming for Black women’s appearance. Lace fronts are the last thing this owner should be worried about.
Rodg, also known as “Jemini” (insert eye roll), said that a strict “#FRESHCODE” would begin April 1. This is interesting since he asked Mayes and her party to leave before this code has taken effect.
“COPA ain’t for everybody,” he continued.
Judging by his conduct, the COPA Lounge won’t be for anybody but the bank that holds its mortgage soon enough.
