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Community Rallies Around Restaurant With Pride Flag Yelp Reviewer Called "Disgusting"

The owner posted the review to Facebook, noting all are welcome, and the community showered him with support.

After a Yelp reviewer trashed an Italian restaurant in Dorchester, Massachusetts as "absolutely disgusting" because of its small Pride flag in the window, the owner and community responded in the best way.

The anti-gay review of Zia Gianna claimed the restaurant was "clearly geared" towards only serving members of the LGBTQ community.

"After seeing the rainbow flag in the window, I've had it with this place and have thrown in the towel," the since-deleted review huffed.

"This should be considered treason against our Nation (sic) and our Italian heritage and against Nature (sic) and should be punishable as a crime," it continued.

The restaurant is named after owner Nino Barbalace's aunt, Gianna, whose life was dedicated to community and comfort through food, according to its website. The flag went up in June to show support for a Pride parade, and Barbalace decided to leave it up.

He also chose to post the bad review to Facebook, with a message making it clear all are welcome at his restaurant.

Tiffany Andrade told Fox 25 she patronized Zia Gianna on Friday to show support in light of the negative review and Barbalace's inspired response.

“Luckily, we live in the land of the free, and people are entitled to their own opinion, but I do think it’s something to understand that we are an open community and there are people who come from all different countries and all different backgrounds and we should be welcoming of everyone,” Andrade said, noting we should be past this point in our history.

Community members also rallied in support by offering encouraging comments on the Facebook post.

"We love Zia Gianna and thankful to have them in the neighborhood. See you soon!" wrote one customer.

"I'll start this with how much I love what you've created with Zia Gianna!" shared another. "I love bringing my children there and chatting with you, Nino. We enjoy the open, friendly atmosphere you generate and of course the amazing food. You are doing something very special and important through food and table - building a community. There are many things I could say in response to this hateful comment but I'll follow your lead and let love win."

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