BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) - Lloyd Taco has been under heavy criticism since Thursday when it released a statement apologizing for operating its business outside of an ICE detention center in Batavia.
Thousands of people criticized the company's stance, calling it "virtue signaling" with some even calling for a boycott.
According to public relations professional Phil Pantano, who owns Pantano & Associates, which includes clients such as Seneca Nation, Viridi Parente, OSC Contracting, and more, Lloyd Taco should have not reacted emotionally to some of the criticisms they received initially.
Pantano said the outrage caused by Lloyd's handling of the situation can be attributed to the current political climate and the power and immediacy of social media.
Matt Davison of The Martin Group also said that Lloyd Taco came under fire for their press conferences for "flip-flopping".
"I think that's what's really drawn the ire of people and has allowed this controversy to continue to swell," Davison said.
"We make tacos, not war," Cimino said. "We serve all communities and all neighborhoods. We are not political. Why would we be? How could any business choose sides in our politically divided country and ever hope to succeed."
Cimino apologized for their apology statement last Thursday, saying it was "hasty" and that they reacted too quickly to criticism that morning. He said that the company does support law enforcement and has had food trucks to benefit events organized by local departments. However, Cimino stopped short of saying they are interested in returning to the ICE Detention Facility in Batavia.
"I wouldn't say 'not sure', I'm just saying I'm not answering hypothetical questions," Cimino said. "When the request comes in again we'll re-evaluate like we normally do."
"They certainly didn't mean to put themselves in the middle of (a political issue)," Pantano said.
Cimino said they were not prepared for the anger directed at them but that they would move on from the controversy.
"Our trucks are going out for lunch today," Cimino said. "Our restaurants will serve lunch and dinner today and every day thereafter because that's what we do and that's who we are. That's what we'll always be."