We're the Military and Airpower Guys of Jonah Goldberg of National Review Online + a stray we found wandering around looking lost. All original material JHD, BHD, JR, WT, and KA 2003-2010 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html Sat, 24 Mar 2012 15:54:11 Z Movable Type 4.12 en Copyright 2012 http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification UPDATE IV: Click here. UPDATE III: Andi says at 6:00 EDT: "Looks like I may have some news to share with you soon, likely tomorrow. For now, be VERY respectful when you contact the Hilton Corporation. Let them know how much these dinners mean to our troops, and that we hope they will continue. Stay tuned...." This may be corroboration of the info in the original Update. Well see, I guess... UPDATE II: Wizbang has the Hilton side of things (scroll down). UPDATE: Good News!!! Commenter "mdwest" reports (over at Andi's) having spoken to the manager at Fran's this afternoon.... http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html Thu, 13 Apr 2006 23:12:05 -0600 What kind of company do you think you are to do something like this especially in the United States of America and expect to get respected? The mere name of your company is a joke anymore with the Paris Hilton “snooper model” thing, it looks like you would at least want to make something good come from your company and give back something to our country considering your lodging rates are overrated anyway and you have so little to offer in reality only but a bed, TV, bathroom, place to eat, and perhaps a business center or a play area! If you only knew or would take time to ask what your communities wanted or needed you would find you were not the best deal in our country and now you have just proven who you really are and you have no right to be in our country as you have no loyalty to the flag or the people it protects and stands for. For it has been and will be passed on you are a true failure in the American eye and the American dream. You are no American just a bottom feeder collecting money from all those who live and work here. Those of us who have read this story and those of us who will read will no longer subscribe, attend or go to you facilities. Wendy Robinson Jacksonville, Fl Military Family Child. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-44029 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-44029 Sat, 15 Apr 2006 20:36:01 -0600 http://homefrontsix.blogspot.com/2006/04/i-apologize.html]]> http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-43992 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-43992 Sat, 15 Apr 2006 01:44:37 -0600 Greetings- I wrote to Capitol Hilton about the issue and received the following reply within hours... Thanks- Your e-mail has been forwarded to me, Brian Kelleher, General Manager, of The Capital Hilton. Thank you for your _expression of concern regarding the Fran O’Brien’s restaurant. I appreciate your interest and would like to take this opportunity to respond to you personally. For strictly business reasons related solely to the inability to reach a new lease agreement, the Capital Hilton has elected to terminate the lease with the operator of Fran O’Brien’s restaurant at the hotel. This decision was not at all related to the Friday night dinners for disabled veterans but rather a result of lease negotiations that failed. The hotel has offered to host and sponsor the May 5, 2006 dinner and expressed interest in working closely with Walter Reed so that the Friday night tradition can continue. Furthermore, the hotel is in discussions with one of the sponsors of the Friday night dinners to continue their support of the dinners. The Capital Hilton prides itself on its involvement and support of many community organizations and events and has provided complimentary or discounted rooms to families with veterans in the hospital, donated facilities to military organizations and most recently hosted a meeting for 300 people. Sincerely, Brian Kelleher General Manager, Capital Hilton Delete Reply Forward Not Spam Move... Previous | Next | Back to Messages http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-43979 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-43979 Fri, 14 Apr 2006 16:55:46 -0600 Seems when I was called back by Hilton Management I was lead to belive according to them that the lease was up a year ago and Hal and Marty were told then to find new digs...HMMMMM? then I was trold that the Hilton plans to continue the dinners at the Hotel and they definately tried to give me the impression that the dinners were theirs to begin with...... I know Hal and I would take his word over some zealous bean counter from Hilton anyday. I would be it is because Hilton has refused to maitain the infrastructure of the basement there to support ADA etc that they are trying to dump the Restaurant. If Hilton does not see the light here I will never ever stay at a Hilton again. I ask all other vets to make that same pledge. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-43970 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-43970 Fri, 14 Apr 2006 14:27:59 -0600 Well, I took it a step further.. I contacted CNN and more local news to see if we can get National Media coverage for this... I will be honest, a little smear to the Hilton Corp, will not hurt my feelings especialy when the people they have working for them have a lack of compasion for our vets. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-43960 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-43960 Fri, 14 Apr 2006 11:26:10 -0600 Well gentlemen, here is a copy of my email to Mr. Boyle for what its worth. Dear Mr. Boyle, I am writing you in hopes of that the situation can be resolved Fran O'Brien's. It has come to my attention of the lack of cooperation that Hilton has taken in dealings with Fran O'Brien's. I implore that you and you company take a more sympathetic approach when dealing with a company that goes out of their to way to help disabled veterans buy offering up much needed good will toward them. I am more than positive that Hilton can accommodate Fran O'Brien's, since it appears that many times Hilton was contacted over the lease agreement and your company either neglected to inform or ignored Fran O'Brien's. Once again, I implore that this situation be dealt with the utmost care and concern and do not "blow off" a company that is doing a much needed service to our veterans. I am sure this issue can get quite a bit of press in and around Fran O'Brien's community as well as national. Thank you. Stewart McCauley President 2Digital Technologies, stewart.mccauley@2digital.com http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-43958 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-43958 Fri, 14 Apr 2006 10:50:49 -0600 I've posted on my site (3,000 hits per day) and I've written to Hilton in a very polite manner as you suggested. I have some clout since we have many meetings at a Hilton facility; some dinners at a few restaurants, and I may vacation at a Hilton owned resort, I don't know. I will stop all those activities. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-43946 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-43946 Fri, 14 Apr 2006 05:18:40 -0600 Thank you for the link, I appreciate it. Thanks for getting the word out on this, too. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-43940 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-43940 Thu, 13 Apr 2006 20:21:02 -0600 Chris Wallce the host of "Fox News Sunday" did a piece on this a while back. Some emails to him might bring a little publicity to the problem. At least letting Hilton aware of this information may help. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-43939 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-43939 Thu, 13 Apr 2006 19:25:39 -0600 A spokesperson for Hilton said the decision was a business decision that has nothing to do with the Friday dinners. They didn't elaborate on the reasons, but the did say they are trying to maintain the dinner at another location in the hotel , and that ADA issues had nothing to do with the decision. I wouldn't put any stock in what may have been heard from someone on the phone at Fran O'Brien's unless it's one of the two owners. I'm waiting for a callback from them. At this point it's worth withholding judgement until we know what the owners position actually it. For all we know they are still negotiating or are looking at another location. I can tell you that Hilton understands the potential for this story to go bad on them, so I suspect that they will bend over backwards to be seen as fair and above board. If the folks at Fran O'Brien's want to stay and can't get the Hilton to reach a deal then the pressure of bad PR can probably force them to the bargaining table. What we don't know at this point is if that's something the owners actually want... We'll protest outside the hotel, if need be, once we know the resteraunt's side of the story. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-43936 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-43936 Thu, 13 Apr 2006 18:35:50 -0600 Bill: Even with the most positive characterization of Hilton's actions possible, they are screwing over the restaurant by dragging their heels for five months, then springing an eviction on them with a three-week deadline. And that's a terrible thing to have happen to a restaurant that has done so much for the wounded troops. I don't know if a month or so (about how long it's been since Hilton stopped communicating with Fran's other than to send the notice recently) is theoretically enough time for them to make a smooth transition to a new location, but it's definitely not a practical amount of time. And the free Friday night dinners were a labor of love for the owners, one of whom is a Vietnam vet. They have shunned PR on this, and definitely aren't in it for business gain. Yup, it's Hilton's property to do with as they choose, but we can try to exert market pressure to encourage them to make choices we prefer. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-43934 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-43934 Thu, 13 Apr 2006 18:06:59 -0600 I will be Emailing Dan Boyle, in concern, for the brave. > Sudbury, Ontario Canada http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-43933 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-43933 Thu, 13 Apr 2006 17:59:45 -0600 Hiltons behavior, if their motivations are as they have been characterized, is despicable, but here is another perspective. It's their property and they have the right to do with it as they please. That is, after all, one of the principles that our troops are fighting for. Find another restaurant that wants to support the troops and if one can't be found, get some investors and start one. I'd participate in that venture. That's another principle that our troops are fighting for. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-43932 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-43932 Thu, 13 Apr 2006 17:39:10 -0600 This could just be an administrative stuff up by low level management full of self importance. Then again. These days I would tend to look into the background of Hilton to see if there are any Arab deals in the offing. Remember: Borders signed an agreement with the UAE before it decided to remove the magazine with the vicious Mohamoud cartoons in it. Mind youthe removal was to safeguard their staff. I would also suggest picketting your local Hilton. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-43931 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-43931 Thu, 13 Apr 2006 17:34:38 -0600 Good Afternoon: I just learned that Hilton may not renew the lease of Fran O'Brien's. I stay at the Hilton every year when I attend the [Name of Event I Attend]. A terrific dinner at Fran O'Brien's (but I repeat myself...) is one the of the highlights of my stay. Please reconsider your decision, and extend Fran O'Brien's lease on commercially-reasonable terms. Thank you, [Name] http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-43928 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-43928 Thu, 13 Apr 2006 15:20:34 -0600 I would actually suggest that the veterans who have benefitted from this program also complain to the Hilton management and cite the possibility of a formal ADA complaint following. If management is upset at the number of disabled people visiting their establishment, they are violating civil rights. This is just flat-out wrong, and they need to be called on it, in every way. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-43922 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-43922 Thu, 13 Apr 2006 13:34:23 -0600 Zsa Zsa Gabor and fathered Paris Hilton....I'll never set foot in a Hilton again and use all my powers of persuasion to convince friends and relatives to stay away as well. ]]> http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-43919 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-43919 Thu, 13 Apr 2006 13:10:59 -0600 Some guy, stephen_bollenbach@hilton.com bounced back to me as "No such mailbox exists" -- but steve_bollenbach@hilton.com seems to have gone right on through. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-43918 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-43918 Thu, 13 Apr 2006 12:59:17 -0600 And I thought a Hilton would let anybody in. I mean, look at Paris...... http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-43916 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-43916 Thu, 13 Apr 2006 12:48:30 -0600 positive PR thing and that, while it's not likely to directly affect me, it will affect whether or not I'll ever stay at a Hilton hotel again. ]]> http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-43915 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-43915 Thu, 13 Apr 2006 12:47:20 -0600 http://consul-at-arms.blogspot.com/2006/04/re-save-fran-obriens.html]]> http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-43911 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-43911 Thu, 13 Apr 2006 12:03:34 -0600 Is Hilton Burning Yet? Wait. Wrong title. Should be Paris not Hilton. Well, enough of the jokes. There is news today that a restruant that serves disabled veterans free meals on Fridays is not getting their lease extended by the Hilton Hotels. You can learn more at Castle Argghhh!. --snip-- With the usual links etc. Simon - Tonkin Bay Yacht Club - '66]]> http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-43909 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-43909 Thu, 13 Apr 2006 11:47:01 -0600 If you want to "chew" anyone's a**, I suggest the morons & tyrants responsible for the passage of the ADA. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-43908 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-43908 Thu, 13 Apr 2006 11:44:51 -0600 help is on the way. ]]> http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-43907 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-43907 Thu, 13 Apr 2006 11:28:13 -0600 A great way to expose concealed anti-Americanism in a debate. Leave leftists stunned with this. ]]> http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-43905 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-43905 Thu, 13 Apr 2006 11:24:42 -0600 If veterans are not welcome at Hilton Hotels perhaps veterans should choose to stay somewhere else. I am a veteran. If service in the military offends the Hilton management or if the presence of wounded military personnel is embarrasing to them, veterans should take their money elsewhere. I have no doubt the vast majority of hotels, whether large corporation or single owner, would welcome veterans. There must be millions of veterans who can spend their money elsewhere. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-43904 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-43904 Thu, 13 Apr 2006 11:13:09 -0600 In 1970, December, just before Christmas, the wounded at the Philadelphia Navy Hospital who wanted to go out and was paying for their own meal were refused, although they had reservations. Later the restaurant stated that it would have had a bad effect on the other patrons. It is starting again. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-43899 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-43899 Thu, 13 Apr 2006 10:34:21 -0600 My Trackbacks are hosed (again Not going to be my day today it seems) Linked you on this http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-43892 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-43892 Thu, 13 Apr 2006 09:18:24 -0600 Blood pressure down? Check, breathing back to normal check. Ok I can see the screen now. Why in the hell would they do something like that? Sound especially fishy to me. They probably want to put in something more "fashionable" like afriggin Applebee's or some other cookie cutter restraunt trash that has no room for anyone but the preppie new age youth with their no out of place hair and perfect friggin teeth. Just grrrrrrrrrr http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-43891 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-43891 Thu, 13 Apr 2006 08:56:02 -0600 Fran O'Brien's is a wonderful place, with truly nice staff (a rarity in Washington), but I'm pretty sure the Hilton has wanted them out of there for a very long time. A couple months ago I went there for dinner with friends and a Hilton employee actually gloated that they were closed and would be for a while. The animosity probably long predates the arrival of the wounded vets. If you're not from DC, you're probably picturing something quite opulent -- you are very mistaken. The Hilton is a hole. It's not in a particularly good neighborhood. The steakhouse is in the basement and I've seldom - if ever - seen it close to crowded on a normal night. I honestly think you'd be better off if you would support Fran O'Brien's in relocating to a better venue. Bid the Hilton good riddance. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-43890 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-43890 Thu, 13 Apr 2006 08:55:19 -0600 Excellent point, Some Guy! http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-43888 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-43888 Thu, 13 Apr 2006 08:40:03 -0600 huge opportunity if they would just think creatively.]]> http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-43887 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-43887 Thu, 13 Apr 2006 08:36:23 -0600 So, instead of wasting your time, send an email or letter to the VFW and American Legion. The Legion national commander is Thomas Bock, his email is NatlCmdr@legion.org. The VFW CiC is Jim Mueller, only email I have is info@vfw.org. Inform the Legion and VFW that Hilton has decided accommodating disabled veterans is more trouble than it's worth, and ask them to intervene with the company. Don't immediately call for a nationwide boycott of the chain. Simply ask them to intervene on behalf of their MILLIONS of members, most of whom are heads of households and who travel on business. (Basically, you are planting the seed with them that this may not be the sort of company their members should be supporting, and giving the Hilton CEO room to go over the heads of his subordinates without looking like he caved to the threat of a boycott.) P.S. Make absolutely sure to copy the CEO of Hilton, Stephen F. Bollenbach (the only email I coudl find is bill_fortier@hilton.com, though I bet stephen_bollenbach or steve_bollenbach@hilton.com work). http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-43886 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-43886 Thu, 13 Apr 2006 08:34:04 -0600 Does anyone wonder that the trial lawyers have sued everyone for everything that Hilton is petrified? You must convey that the goodwill generated by the support for the troops is more valuable than the fear of trial lawyers. Hilton will pay millions for a commercial during the superbowl and not get the good publicity of helping these soldiers. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-43885 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-43885 Thu, 13 Apr 2006 08:14:49 -0600 Comrades, I've sent a nice, polite, yet firm email to Mr. Boyle regarding the situation. I've also forwarded my thoughts on the matter to the National HQ. For the DAV, since I'm a life member there. I hope that this all gets straightened out and the lease extended. I'd hate to see Hilton taken off the list of future convention sites, though it'll certainly be off of my travel plans should the lease be lost. Respects, AW1 Tim http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-43883 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2006/04/save_fran_obriens.html#comment-43883 Thu, 13 Apr 2006 07:26:50 -0600