Two weeks ago, Abbie Layden-Rogiers was angry that someone had ripped up a copy of a photo of her husband Ryan, son Taddy and former first lad Michelle Obama that she had in her restaurant, The Wheelhouse.
The photo was displayed in one of the bathrooms of the restaurant.
“My initial reaction was anger, I was outraged and infuriated,” Rogiers said. “Slowly that faded to more of a sadness. Truthfully, it hurt my feelings.”
What helped Rogiers deal with her sadness was the outpouring of support she received after posting about the incident on Facebook.
Her post has been shared 500 times and the vast majority of comments on the post were positive and supportive to the Rogiers family.
Rogiers said at the end of her post she offered $100 as a reward if someone could tell her who destroyed the photo but she admits she was being facetious.
“I am not at all on a witch hunt,” she said. “I think the person who did it has suffered enough.”
The photo was taken when Ryan and Taddy visited the White House after winning a healthy recipe contest held by Epicurious.com and Michelle Obama. One winner was selected from each state and they were flown to the White House.
“They were treated to a state dinner,” Rogiers said. “It was very special for the kids.”
They walked down a red carpet, were interviewed and were announced the same as foreign dignitaries are when the visit the White House.
Rogiers said she feels lucky the photo was just a copy and the original is hanging in a frame by the front door of the restaurant. Rogiers said despite this incident she is not hesitant to display personal items in the restaurant.
“We’ve been open for over a year and this is really the only incident that we’ve had,” she said. “We get very positive feedback and people who tell us they really enjoy seeing all the family photos and our family history displayed up on the walls.”
Rogiers said she thinks the photos are a great way for patrons to see their story, know that the restaurant is run by a family that is working hard to serve the community with good food, good atmosphere and kind service.
“What I hope people can learn from this experience, is that it’s a good time to respect each other, regardless of our personal opinions, and to treat each other decently, especially now when the country is so divided,” Rogiers said.
