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Big Sky Cafe closes for ‘Day Without Immigrants’

February 16, 2017

As part of a nationwide protest against United States President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, Big Sky Cafe in downtown San Luis Obispo is keeping its doors closed Thursday.

Greg Holt, co-owner of the restaurant, released a statement Wednesday saying it is necessary for his business to take part in the “Day Without Immigrants.” Holt said his staff is largely comprised of immigrants, and he has to do what he feels is right.

“In support of my largely immigrant staff at Big Sky Cafe, I have chosen to close tomorrow, February 16th, in support of ‘A day without immigrants. My people are just too important. As my wife reminded me, One Big Sky covers us all equally, we feel that staying open undermines that motto and everything Big Sky stands for,” Holt said in the statement. “We are nothing without our people.

“I know that a lot of people might not support this decision, my bankers and creditor included, but we just have to do what we feel is right. We apologize to all of our guests for any and all inconvenience. We will open again on Friday at 7:00 a.m. and hope we see you all there.”

Many business nationwide are remaining closed Thursday, while some others are contributing part of their proceeds from the day to pro-immigration groups. Likewise, many employees are skipping work and students are skipping class. Marches and other demonstrations are taking place, as well.


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Thank-you Big Sky for standing up for the rich diversity of our country, and for helping to make the point that the dictator, trying to pretend he is our president, is an incompetent buffoon…. notice that the judicial system knocked down the Muslim ban and it looks like Trump may have his hands too full with Russian conspiracies. Thank goodness we have the news media who will investigate, find the truth, and keep this administration on the up and up.


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Where did it state Muslim ban? He was banning people coming in from seven countries. Please show where it said Muslim ban? BTW he isn’t first Prez. to do so.


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Even Geraldo Rivera said this morning, ‘i have known Trump for 40 years, and he is NOT a racist!”

Janster, you need to stop listening to the paranoid lefties. There is no Russian conspiracy. And Obama had already been deporting Mexicans for many years now. The Media is biased, so you will NOT get the truth. Investigate deep on your own, don’t depend on the media for your info. Trump hates them because of the lies, and they hate Trump….so Not a good source to find the truth. Don’t be so gullible. You are instigating hate and fear…find the truth about what Obama has already be doing with Illegals. NO one is against immigrants!!! No one is against Mexicans! But there is no other country in this world that will openly accept Criminals. WE are not talking about Muslims, Hispanics..we are talking about Criminals…have you actually listened or have you only depended on CNN to decipher? seems you are misguided.


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Greg Holt is my hero. His decision to close takes guts and courage. I will continue to support Big Sky and the talented staff there. Which is not difficult to do as the quality and flavors have always been outstanding.


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Get real, his food is decent but certainly overprices and I am sure it is not because he is paying his staff much above minimum wage. Next, I find it interesting that Mr. Holt sent out a notice of his closing to all the news outlets. Guess he couldn’t do this on its merit, he really was seeking publicity which obviously was his motive.


This is America, it is his business and he can do what he wants regardless of his motive. Me, when I heard on the news yesterday that he employed over 70% of his staff using immigrants, I would never step foot in their again. The food is definitely not that good! His business, my pocketbook!


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Big Sky is not paying its employees for ” immigrant day”. They are probably not giving sick leave or vacation leave; in fact, they are probably taking advantage of their illegal immigrant employees. It would be interesting to find out what their employees thought about this publicity stunt.


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This isn’t the point. Your sour grapes leave a bad taste in my mouth.


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I hope Big Sky is paying them for the time off.


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Wait, Big Sky is admitting they hire and employ illegal aliens? Isn’t that against the law? I’m sure there must be at least some Cal poly students that need those jobs! I, for one, will not eat there again, too many other good choices around town.


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“Holt said his staff is largely comprised of immigrants, and he has to do what he feels is right.”


Oh, OK, fine. So if Holt truly wants to do what is “right”, then he should pay those immigrant employees (and all those others who may have been deprived of earnings by the closure) for that lost day of pay.


After all, how does depriving presumably legal immigrant employees of their rightful day of pay “protest” any of President Trump’s efforts to reduce ILLEGAL immigration?


Put your money where your mouth is, Holt- pay those folks for that day of pay that you took from them.


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Did anybody else notice what a breeze the commute to work was this morning? If a day without immigrants was the cause for my record commute time, then I vote they should stay home everyday!


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I went to work today to fulfill my commitment to my employer and customers and pay taxes which support illegals. My father is a legal immigrant (and veteran) who has been self employed for most of his life.


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Mr. Holt certainly knows how to get free press, and I am sure he thinks he will recover his costs for all this FREE advertisement with the help of the liberals. This morning on the news they reported that he was closing because 70% of his staff are immigrants. I am glad to know this, because as a regular customer I will no longer give him my business. First, Mr. Holt uses the press for free advertisement and then, he hires 70% of immigrants. How come you didn’t mention Veterans, women, black, NOPE, just immigrants.


You have rights, it is your business. I have rights, it is my wallet. And, Mr. Holt, it cheapens your motive to go out to all the local media’s and advertise your personal business and motive. Typical Liberal, give it to me free!


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