TX:Denny's and Gun Signs in Dallas

On a Saturday morning in Dallas, Texas, my daughter and I decided to eat breakfast out. My grandson mentioned pancakes, so my daughter decided on a Denny’s that was reasonably close, at 4567 Frankford Road.

It took about five minutes to load up a one year old and a two year old into the car, in the proper car seats, and another five minutes to drive to the restaurant.

On the way in, I noticed the 30.07 sign that banned open carry in the restaurant. The 30.07 sign is required by Texas law, if a private property owner decides to restrict open carry on their property. Of course they may allow people to carry on an individual basis, with their explicit permission.

The 30.07 sign only restrict open carry.  In Texas, people who can legally open carry modern handguns also have the right to carry concealed handguns. The 30.07 sign is simply saying “please cover your handgun when on our premises”.

I made sure that my vest was covering the Glock 17 in a Fobus retention holster when we entered. With a one and a two year old dining with you, a breakfast can be fairly busy.

Our waitress, Kathyrn was superb. She immediately brought a good quality high chair for my granddaughter and a coloring book for my grandson, She asked about and brought grapes for him, and volunteered and brought yogurt for my granddaughter. My daughter had mentioned my grandson’s name, once, on entering the restaurant.  Kathryn remembered his name and used it when she referred to him.

She was, quick, polite, attentive, and accurate. I have eaten in a lot of places, and Kathryn’s professionalism, familiarity with children, and attention to their needs, was of the highest order.  The food was very good, the prices reasonable, the atmosphere family friendly. I will be going back.

I found the 30.07 sign to be an interesting compromise, if mildly offensive. On the way out, I let Zahid, who was near the register, know that I found the sign to be offensive, even though the food and service were excellent. Zahid was courteous and very helpful with this review. I gave him my card for Gun Watch.

The positive part of using the 30.07 sign is that it strikes a compromise for all customers.  In Texas, an open carrier need only cover their legally carried handgun.  For the small number of Texans, or visitors from states that have numerous infringements on the Second Amendment, the sign may be of some reassurance. I doubt that many will read beyond the red circle and bar over the 1911 silhouette.

The wording on the sign is in English and Spanish, as required by law. The sign takes up valuable space that could be used for advertising.

I doubt if even the 30.07 signs will stay up for very long.  The number of customers who are offended by the open exercise of Second Amendment rights is dropping daily.

Kathryn only works at the Denny’s on the weekends. She has another job she works during the week.  I am sure that she is very good at that job as well.

©2017 by Dean Weingarten: Permission to share is granted when this notice and link are included.

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