Protesters Gather At Tanner's Big Orange

Protests at Tanner's Big Orange on Pleasantburg Dr. began around 10:00 AM this morning following posts, deemed racist, by the restaurant's owner, John Allen Zeller.

There were several social media posts that were critical of black people and the Black Lives Matter movement.

Zeller later took down the posts but has not apologized for them.  

He has been known to share anti-semitic content in the past as well.

The restaurant, which is located in very close proximity to several historic black neighborhoods, was closed today.

The protests throughout the day were fully peaceful; organizers and citizens spread their message and voiced their disapproval of Zeller's comments.

One of the protesters had been going to Tanner's all her life.

One eyewitness who stepped in front of the vehicle in an attempt to protect other protesters said the driver, a white male, was smiling as he attempted to run over the protesters.

Police officers on the scene were able to get the driver to leave.

They are reportedly searching for the driver now; protesters were able to obtain the license plate number.

Keon Washington helped organize the event in conjunction with Black Lives Matter.

Washington was one of the first to see the posts and make them known to the public.

The organizers provided food and water for the protesters and actively cleaned up trash throughout the day.  

Many protesters believe Tanner's will not be able to continue without black support.