Toms River Bar's Drag Queen Brunch Sparks 'Overwhelming Support' In Face Of Criticisms

TOMS RIVER, NJ — The owners of a local restaurant that is hosting a drag queen brunch say they have received overwhelming support for their event, after a Facebook post about their event stirred up controversy.

"Tickets are nearly sold out," the owners of Roxy's Bar and Grille said Tuesday about the response they have received to the controversy that started on Sunday.

The restaurant, on the corner of Hooper Avenue and Kettle Creek Road, on Friday advertised the event on its Facebook page as "Pork Roll, Egg and & Queens Drag Brunch Party," offering brunch, music, "dazzling drag performances, and an unforgettable experience." It's set for 11 a.m. on Jan. 28.

On Sunday, the local Facebook page Jersey Coast Emergency News shared the restaurant's post, saying children are being permitted to attend, with the page's author saying they called the restaurant "and they said children are welcome as there’s no age restriction."

The advertisement (see it here) does not market the event to children.

The Jersey Coast post sparked several negative comments, first on the Jersey Coast page and then on Roxy's page itself, with some people saying they will never eat there and others wishing for the business to fail.

That backlash, however, led to a flood of support for the show on both pages, with hundreds of comments from people saying they cannot wait for the event or expressing disappointment that they are unable to attend.

It also prompted a response from Roxy's on its page to address the controversy.

"We understand that the event in question has raised some eyebrows, and we want to clarify its nature," the restaurant's owners said.

"The event was not explicitly marketed as a family-friendly gathering. At Roxy's Bar & Grille, we believe in empowering families to make their own decisions about attending events with their children," the owners wrote. "We respect the diversity of our patrons and understand that preferences may vary."

"It's important to note that negative remarks have been made by individuals who may not fully grasp the concept of this particular event," the owners wrote. "It is a Sunday brunch event where the choice to bring children is left to the discretion of the patron. We encourage open-mindedness and understanding, as well as a recognition that personal choices differ among our diverse clientele."

"We also want to emphasize that we welcome all members of our community to Roxy's Bar & Grille. Our establishment takes pride in being a family-friendly restaurant, and we are committed to providing exceptional service, the finest cuisine, and signature cocktails to everyone in the Toms River area," the post said.

That post Sunday evening drew more than 375 comments, with the majority of them supporting the event and the restaurant.

"We've received overwhelming support from our community, and tickets are nearly sold out," the owners said Tuesday in response to a request for comment. "We're thrilled about the positive response and look forward to hosting an unforgettable event for all attendees."

"While there have been some negative responses, we remain focused on delivering a memorable experience for all attendees," the owners said.