Restaurants in Long Beach, Mississippi, are speaking out against Darwell’s Happiness Cafe after the owners announced a controversial discount exclusively for straight couples. In a now-deleted Facebook video, owners Darwell and Nettie Mechelle Yeager offered the deal to what they described as the real kind of couple — those who can produce a child. Nettie added, “We don’t do the trans or the lesbians or gays. I’m sorry. That’s down the street.”
Nettie later apologized on Facebook, saying, “I’m truly sorry if you got offended or misunderstood something not meant to hurt anyone,” but the post was removed, and her profile now displays a sign reading, “We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone.” Darwell defended the promotion, calling it a special for a specific group, and declared the cafe a No Weirdos Zone. The backlash was swift. Trax Bar and Grill shared a screen recording of the video.
Trax Bar and Grill owner Jessica Notter expressing outrage, “The disgust I feel for statements made in this video is immeasurable.” Trax Bar and Grill is now hosting a Unity in the Community event with local drag queen performances. Meanwhile, local influencers Your Barefoot Neighbor and Mississippi Kween are leading the Love the Coast Tour, a celebration of inclusive local spots. So far, 560 people have signed up. Long Beach businesses are making it clear: hate has no home here.
