Olive Garden bans American flag—then reverses decision

The ire of an Alabama patron has left Olive Garden (and its parent company) in hot water with customers.

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The Kiwanis members, many of whom are war veterans, recited the Pledge of Allegiance with their eyes closed while pretending the flag was there. The Kiwanis banner was prohibited as well.

Olive Garden is owned by Darden, which also owns the Red Lobster and Longhorn chains. The company’s first response was to cite its rules. It released a statement explaining that the Oxford, Ala., Olive Garden lacks a private dining area.

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