Business Restaurants

Parallel owner Jason Bursey finds himself in a social media firestorm

It started with a slogan on a t-shirt that some feel is disrespectful of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Parallel Wine & Whiskey Bar, a popular wine bistro in Ashburn’s Broadlands Village Center, found itself the center of social media outrage over the weekend after someone posted an image of a t-shirt that — up until recently — had been hanging on the wall of the restaurant.

“Drunk Wives Matter” appeared in white on the black t-shirt, one of several shirts that Parallel sells with catchphrases on them.

The phrase on this particular shirt was a play on the “Black Lives Matter” slogan that came to national attention in the wake of the Trayvon Martin shooting in 2012 and the subsequent acquittal of the shooter, George Zimmerman.

After the image of the t-shirt was posted on Sunday, social media in Loudoun was full of posts, comments and opinions about the t-shirt and the man behind Parallel — owner Jason Bursey. While many posts defended Bursey and said people were over-reacting, many others were outraged and angry. Soon other political and social comments Bursey has made on social media were circulating and adding fuel to the fire.

The Burn spoke with Bursey this morning about the shirt and what has happened over the weekend.

“I have several shirts that say other funny things as well — ‘Make Merlot Great Again’ — I play off things with no ill intent whatsoever,” Bursey said. “I’ve had that shirt for a year or a year and a half. I’m just been focused on my restaurant and food and trying to stay open. When the social climate changed over George Floyd, a buddy of mine who is half black … emailed me and said ‘I was on the patio over the weekend and happened to see that shirt. I feel with the social climate maybe now is not the best time to have that shirt up.’ I usually stand behind whatever I do, but I responded back and said, ‘This is one time I don’t disagree with you. You’re right and I’m going to take it down.’”

Bursey said he removed the shirt about a week ago.

According to Bursey, the original image was posted on Sunday by someone who has posted antagonistically about Bursey and Parallel in the past.

“She went onto every public platform I’ve been living on the past few months in Covid … and posted the picture of the t-shirt and put it out there calling me a racist, portraying it as if I put that shirt up to get attention off the Black Lives movement,” he said. “With the sensitivity of people, it’s easy to get them to jump. She’s out there trying to destroy me, and it’s horrible that everyone is biting without any knowledge of what’s actually going on.”

Bursey says that many of the people commenting and posting are not local — that there are now people from other states and even other countries jumping on the issue. Parallel’s star rating on Yelp has dropped half a star in the past 24 hours as more than two dozen people have left 1-star reviews, angry about the t-shirt.

“With Facebook and social media in general, people have a platform to do whatever they want,” Bursey said. “They have the ability to be positive, but they can also be Satanists and kill and destroy without any repercussions and come after a business like mine and my wife and my family, without even knowing me or having any knowledge of my business. They just jump on a bandwagon. It’s complete garbage.”

But some long time patrons are expressing dismay over the t-shirt and Bursey’s comments. The Burn spoke with Ashburn resident Wendell Smith, who said his wife loved Parallel and went there almost weekly with friends and family. This morning, Smith posted his thoughts on Facebook.

“Surely, the owner of Parallel Wine & Whiskey Bar … knows that he has African American patrons. My wife and her best friend tried to drag me to happy hour at least twice a week,” wrote Smith. “I am sure he must have seen us or some other dark faces. I think one could reasonably assume that his dumb joke printed on this t-shirt, or his stunningly ignorant Facebook posts would offend me and others, and yet, he still decides to move forward. I’m reminded of a few facts: this is America — with a few exceptions — you can say whatever you want (and I’m very glad that you’ve voiced your opinion, bruh!). But I also have the freedom to patronize any business that I want. I also have the freedom to educate my friends and neighbors about people in our community who think that an international human rights movement that advocates for the end of systemic racism, is a joke.”

Some people commenting on social media are asking Bursey to apologize. That does not appear to be happening anytime soon.

“I think they’re looking for an apology and that’s what I can’t stand most about the world today — that they can bully you and make you take a knee and apologize,” Bursey said. “I have responded sensitively to anyone who may have felt bothered by that shirt. That’s why I took it down, but I don’t apologize for the shirt and I don’t think I’m going to issue a public statement of apology. I think this is a hit job and I should be apologized to. I can’t believe that people who know me have come out against me and just jumped on the bandwagon.”

“My plan is to focus on my business. It’s what I do every day anyway — making Parallel great and being a part of our community. We are  a community family —we go to church, we work, we support our community and I hope they will continue to support us back,” said Bursey. “And they forget about Covid — and what is happening to our small businesses — and focus on this and come after me after I have done nothing but support our community and our guests for 10 years. Up until two weeks ago, everybody thought it was funny.”

Not everyone.

“When Black Lives Matter erupted, I treated it very very seriously. Many in my community treated it very seriously. I never would have seen that t-shirt and thought it was a joke,” Smith told The Burn. “I think sometimes people don’t comprehend other people’s points of view. They are just very myopic.”

74 Comments
  1. James D Reed 4 years ago

    So he put up a blatantly racist shirt and feels victimized that the public is pissed off? that is very telling

    • NRaye 4 years ago

      Very sad and Very out of touch! He has a voice in the community and his messaging is insensitive, radically offensive, shameful and hurtful. This did not start with a tee shirt, this was more icing on the already offensive cake.
      How about his post about an eHarmony hmm in 2009, and other insensitive remarks overthe years?
      His FB post couple weeks ago after George Floyd’s Murder; which starts with a one-sided statement regarding folks looting and then asks what folks think ” I’m all ears go”. which elicited a bunch of negative remarks from others about “those people” …yada yada. He chose to highlight the “symptom” and not the “disease” of years of hurt, oppression, and RACISM. Folks tried to pull his coat tail and let him know his comment was insensitive and without any empathy. He acted as he was being attacked and not to use this as a teachable moment to peel back the layers of his statement to understand why many questioned his post. Of course, folks are entitled to their opinion. Keep in mind, this is a diverse community, serve your community well and they will serve you well! Follow the golden rule “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Luke 6:31
      What an ego, I don’t need a fake apology, I don’t want his knee bent. I just won’t be back there again.
      When folks show you who they are believe them…May Angelou

      • Marisol d 4 years ago

        It is not a matter of political views to me. To me it is derogatory and offensive to women and families in this community. Wives matter. I don’t think we as women like to be recognized for the fact of being wasted. Mnay Families, overall children are hurting a lot with parents’ alcohol and substance abuse additions. This is bad bad bad advertising. It lacks of values and principles in times when we are trying to educate a productive society.

    • A Sane Person 4 years ago

      People need to get a life and stay off social media as there only form of “expression”. The shirt was in poor taste for the climate and he took it down and even said he understood why. I guarantee if the owner wasn’t white, this story wouldn’t even exist.

      • MFL 4 years ago

        Amen!!

      • stephen tober 4 years ago

        The shirt has been up for over a year. It was always in poor taste. He doesn’t understand anything. That is pretty clear looking at his posts on social media lately.

      • R. Dorrin 4 years ago

        If the owner weren’t white- the T-shirt wouldn’t have existed! Please get a grip!

        • wellisn'tthatspecial 4 years ago

          “if the owner weren’t white..” Racist much, there, Dorrin?

        • Stacey H 4 years ago

          Exactly!

    • NRaye 4 years ago

      Very sad and Very out of touch! He has a voice in the community and his messaging is insensitive, radically offensive, shameful and hurtful. This did not start with a tee shirt, this was more icing on the already offensive cake.
      How about his post about an eHarmony hmm in 2009, and other insensitive remarks overthe years?
      His FB post couple weeks ago after George Floyd’s Murder; which starts with a one-sided statement regarding folks looting and then asks what folks think ” I’m all ears go”. which elicited a bunch of negative remarks from others about “those people” …yada yada. He chose to highlight the “symptom” and not the “disease” of years of hurt, oppression, and RACISM. Folks tried to pull his coat tail and let him know his comment was insensitive and without any empathy. He acted as he was being attacked and not to use this as a teachable moment to peel back the layers of his statement to understand why many questioned his post. Of course, folks are entitled to their opinion. Keep in mind, this is a diverse community, serve your community well and they will serve you well! Follow the golden rule “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Luke 6:31
      What an ego, I don’t need a fake apology, I don’t want his knee bent. I just won’t be back there again.
      When folks show you who they are believe them…May Angelou

      • Marisol d 4 years ago

        It is not a matter of political views to me. To me it is derogatory and offensive to women and families in this community. Wives matter. I don’t think we as women like to be recognized for the fact of being wasted. Mnay Families, overall children are hurting a lot with parents’ alcohol and substance abuse additions. This is bad bad bad advertising. It lacks of values and principles in times when we are trying to educate a productive society.

    • Elena 4 years ago

      Correct and I have the pictures of some comments to people. He literally said “there’s more racism and evil in The hearts those protestors, rioters and looters than anyone else in this god loving county” hmmm sounds pretty racist to me. Let’s examine another. When he was faced by a comment from a patron who said “I’m sure you would just prefer they take a knee, oh wait…” and Jason’s response was: “they should take both knees and hands behind the head”. If anyone is still supporting this racist, you’re just as bad. If anyone would like the receipts, I have screenshots. I hope his business fails.

    • anonymous 4 years ago

      The problem with this entire situation is that the “lemmings” are following right into place. I agree that all people should be treated with respect by the police. But it is like so many say, respect is earned. This entire movement is going exactly the way it was planned in the big picture of liberals trying to keep their supporters right where they want them, poor, helpless, uneducated, addicts in the projects to give them the helpless feeling that makes them feel like the democrats are the only ones that are going to take care of them. Every citizen that strives to be a responsible citizen, respecting others, following the laws, finishing school, if anything a person of color has more opportunity to excel than other races. Look at all the successful black people that started out poor but had goals and aspired to reach them, just like any other kid. All people need to stop blaming everyone else for their failures. Own them and do something about it. You have the same if not more opportunities to succeed. People need to take a closer look at helping the nurturers or lack there of in these children’s upbringing. I don’t care how poor you are, you can still be a virtuous person. Honestly, the freed slave generation and those that followed had more virtuous attributes than the generations that have followed over the past decades. I believe that the years of atonement have already arrived. If a person is not happy and a good citizen, some self reflection is necessary. Every opportunity is there to be successful, not just monetarily but by virtue. I am a big believer of if you live by the sword you will die by it. People need to relax. Stuff is getting way out of hand. And if you don’t think this is part of a MASTER PLAN of the liberals, then you need an education as well. BTW, I WILL NOT KNEEL ON DEMAND EITHER. I KNEEL TO PRAY TO MY CREATOR. PEACE!

  2. CJ 4 years ago

    Parallel is awesome, and the owners are GREAT people. These ladies ranting over this need to get a life! Unreal and quite pathetic on their part. Jason we will be in this week to have great food and great wine…See ya soon!

    • Bob Smith 4 years ago

      Ladies generally prefer being called women, seeing as it is no longer 1952, CJ. If you and Jason ever escape your ’50s man cave of ignorance, perhaps you’ll take a moment to realize that the outrage is about the racist social media posts, not just the shirt. But seriously, y’all can take your racist and sexist minds back to past – where they belong, deserving of ridicule and scorn.

      • Allen 2 years ago

        So saying “ladies and gentlemen” is ignorant? Get a grip, Bob Smith – people are allowed to disagree with you. You’re not the gold standard of how people should conduct themselves nor do you don’t speak for anyone but yourself.

    • Barias 4 years ago

      Speaking to getting a life… I’ve seen you make this same comment on several other posts on this subject… sounds like you should take your own advice

  3. LoCoResident 4 years ago

    The fact that the owner of Parallel Wine Bar, Jason Bursey, refuses to apologize for obvious racially insensitive material is all you need to know about this guy.

    • Jolene 4 years ago

      You denouncing him shows how intolerant the woke crowd is.
      And no sense of humor

      • Jmensah 4 years ago

        But that’s the problem you’re already thinking that racism or comments like that is a joke, that’s the problem with the world a lot of people think racism, it’s not a joke and his fb comments about “ how black people should take both knees and hands behind their back” isn’t a joke or funny.

    • Jolene 4 years ago

      You denouncing him shows how intolerant the woke crowd is.
      And no sense of humor

  4. Ashburn Resident 4 years ago

    And let’s not forget the now classic:
    “Maybe they should take both knees with their hands behind their head.” in response to taking a knee not working as an effective protest method.

    • Elena 4 years ago

      Sounds like a way to execute someone. Wouldn’t be surprised if that’s what he meant.

  5. Susan A. 4 years ago

    The same exact shirt is currently still selling on Amazon. Has been for a few years. Jason created it?! Come on people, stop tearing down innocent people & businesses. Nothing or no one is safe you know … people who look to be offended all the time will ALWAYS find something to be offended by. I applaud him for not backing down. More people than not agree, but are too scared to say anything amongst the backlash of being smeared by a few extreme haters. Jason is anything but a racist. And NOR are those that continue to support an amazing family business here in our community.

    • Stacey H 4 years ago

      Thank you for your sane comments.

  6. Small Business 4 years ago

    Just wondering why no one is going after Amazon? Maybe just easier to go after the little guy?

    https://www.amazon.com/Drunk-Wives-Matter-Funny-Birthday/dp/B07BX2NGL2

    https://www.amazon.com/Wife-Tees-Drunk-Matter-T-Shirt/dp/B07MDP34SC

    • LoCo Resident 4 years ago

      Hi Jason – I see you’ve made your way to the comments. It is possible to hold you accountable and hold Amazon accountable at the same time.

      In the future, you should consider making better choices.

  7. Walter 4 years ago

    This is a terrible article that seems tailored to the owner, not surprising coming from this website. People are outraged more at the comments he has made which you purposely did not put in this article but seemed hard struck on making it fully about the t-shirt. He has said comments such has taking both knees with hands behind the head in reference to African americans. You guys are just as terrible as he is.

  8. Caitlin 4 years ago

    The fact that HE feels he should be apologized TO is sad. Just because this man has not experienced racism and has not been personally offended my this shirt, doesn’t mean he gets to decide it’s okay.
    My advice, Bursey- LISTEN to the people who things like this effect. Listen to why and learn how you can change your actions to become more anti-racist. See the bigger picture and recognize how the things you view as a joke are not seen that way to people with different experiences as you. It doesn’t matter that your actions do not have I’ll intent when you refuse to apologize and correct yourself when it is pointed out that your “well-intended” actions have negative effects and are in fact covertly racist.

  9. Matthew Osborn 4 years ago

    You’re right. It’s definitely my fault for looking at the things you’ve posted on social media, the people your official restaurant Twitter account follows, and the fact that you think it’s funny to mock BLM…and assuming things about you. In my defense, I totally didn’t know you had a half-black friend.

  10. Jennifer 4 years ago

    It’s not just the shirt! It’s the racist and misogynist post he has since deleted. I am a local and I have been to this restaurant over 100 times. Issue an apology or not, I won’t be back. Silence is part of the problem and I won’t be silent. When a person shows you who they are, you have to listen!

  11. VA in VA 4 years ago

    Please just admit the blatant racist and bad taste of the “joke”. Stop digging a hole by defending it.

  12. Stephen Tober 4 years ago

    He states that, ““I have responded sensitively to anyone who may have felt bothered by that shirt.” This is untrue. When people started commenting about it on Parallel’s Facebook page, he simply deleted the comments and blocked those people from the page.

    Also, his portrayal of himself as a, “victim” is rediculous.

    • Debby Sisco 4 years ago

      There was nothing sensitive about his response. It was 9 minutes of whining and playing the victim. He did not apologize. He acts like it is just about the shirt. Granted, the shirt was simply a puerile joke — I can live with that, but he should have been aware enough to remove it much earlier than a week ago. The real problem is the racist comments he was stupid enough to post online. Freedom of speech is also a given, but if you are a businessman, you must recognize that you post offensive language at your own risk. I have enjoyed Parallel’s patio dining, but I am sorry to say, my friends and I will not be back.

  13. Brit Jones 4 years ago

    I’m surprised you guys stopped at the shirt. That was the tip of the iceberg. He’s probably already destroyed the evidence after his mass deleting and blocking spree but his personal page is HORRENDOUS and full of racism, sexism and misogyny. I will NEVER patronize Parallel and I know over a dozen Loudouners who feel the exact same way.

  14. Martha Gerstein 4 years ago

    This burst on my family at 7:00 this morning. All of my adult children and I have gone to Parallel over the years since it opened, but we won’t go back. And not just because of the T-shirt. Jason’s posts and conversations on Facebook are reprehensible as well. He’s a jerk for putting that stuff out where people who are not his actual friends can see it, and for writing things that other people are likely to consider disgusting.

  15. Bob Smith 4 years ago

    “They should take both knees…and hands behind the head.” – Social media comment by owner Jason Bursey commenting on looters among protesters. Perhaps Mr. Bursey is just violently insensitive? Obtusely out of touch? Stuck in a myopic bubble of privilege? Whatever the case may be, it is compounded by a bizarre case of victimization that demonstrates how wildly out of touch he is. Sorry, Mr. Bursey, the world is changing. Hopefully, soon, Parallel will have no place in it. Oh, also, your reference to “wives” is a bit sexist and anachronistic…what is this, 1952? Seriously, buy a calendar, dude.

    • Joline 4 years ago

      He is being victimized by people who post false Yelp reviews and people like you who state you want him out of business.
      While I certainly believe black ,and all lives, matter, I don’t support BLM.
      It is a movement based on lies that is divisive and racist itself.
      It is you sir that is out of touch with reality.

    • Joline 4 years ago

      He is being victimized by people who post false Yelp reviews and people like you who state you want him out of business.
      While I certainly believe black ,and all lives, matter, I don’t support BLM.
      It is a movement based on lies that is divisive and racist itself.
      It is you sir that is out of touch with reality.

    • R. Dorrin 4 years ago

      You forgot the part where he’s focused on “making Parallel great”

  16. Robert McClure 4 years ago

    Blindspot or overt insensitivity at the least. Shame on you Jason Bursey. However, I guess I should simply thank you.

  17. Joline 4 years ago

    Get over yourselves people , it’s a funny t-shirt.
    This hyper-sensitive censorship is out of control.
    The only people who should be offended are drunk wives and they probably don’t care.

    • Debby Sisco 4 years ago

      Wake up! It’s not about the T-shirt!

  18. Lauren 4 years ago

    The shirt was posted more than a year ago. The same shirt is sold on Amazon, yet no cries over that. Cancel culture needs to stop. People are purposely looking for things to be upset about. If you don’t like it, don’t patronize the business. Hunting someone’s business down to purposely hurt them and their ability to support their family is just as bad as the shirt slogan. Imagine if people cancelled all of you all for mistakes you made……everyone makes them. Reminder: most of y’all voted for BlackFace northam and still support him……talk about hypocrisy. I’ve never eaten there and I don’t know him- simply saying the cultural warriors are acting just as bad as the people making bad decisions.

    • Megan 4 years ago

      Omg…,yes!!!!! Thank you!!

  19. Michael 4 years ago

    The owner is an absolute idiot and a real racist prick in tip of that! And has the audacity to double-down, and make statements about ‘everyone’ finding this T-shirt to be a joke! We heard your dog-whistle Sir, and trust I will NEVER be back. I can get great wine and whiskey from anywhere else in Ashburn, that I don’t have to buy from a business owner with this kind of reprehensible disregard to black patrons!

  20. Jay 4 years ago

    There was HUGE Black Lives Matters march that took place yesterday from Ashburn Village, not too far from Parallel. That’s when I first became aware of this T-shirt on social media.
    I can attest to a LARGE number of people offended by it who are locals.
    + + +
    I been to Parallel twice as a local and looked with interest at the possibilities of his taking the spot vacated by the establishment across the way. I want to give Mr. Bursey the benefit of the doubt.
    + + +
    But I have to say, if he agreed enough to take down the shirt, he should be wise enough to understand how community relations work best by being magnanimous rather than confrontational, diplomatic, rather than being dead-set.
    + + +

  21. Joan S. 4 years ago

    typical Loudoun County women…they have too much time on their hands apparently not being able to go for their weekly mani-pedis or liposuction appointments. Why don’t they focus on doing good deeds instead of bashing a small business…..they are an embarrassment to Loudoun County!

  22. Isa 4 years ago

    I was bothered by that shirt and he did not respond to me “sensitively”. I was respectful with my comment and he blocked me instead.

  23. Sam P. 4 years ago

    Really surprising all this has gone down and a shame as we’ve enjoyed plenty of time at Parallel.

    Unfortunate that Bursey can’t see the opportunity for personal and community growth right in front of him.

    It’s not about the shirt anymore but now about what are his core beliefs. By lashing back he is signaling that he truly is the person that his personal Facebook account shows him to be.

    Bursey is now at a cross-roads: double down and start holding MAGA and Open Carry rallies or admit that he has some learning to do a hold a community summit on race and host the uncomfortable conversations.

    At a time when he’s expanding to the other side, you’d think he’s be a better businessman.

  24. Kate J 4 years ago

    Honestly the shirt I could’ve overlooked but then coupled with his comments…nah. He’s not a good person. He’s sorry he got caught.

    Additionally, kind of an idiotic thing to do as a business owner, so there’s that.

  25. Chad Stevens 4 years ago

    People who don’t see a problem with this are complicit with racism.

    • wellisn'tthatspecial 4 years ago

      “If I don’t like you or if I disagree with you, then you’re a racist!” Really deep, really really deep.

  26. Kay 4 years ago

    I’ve never been there but based on this ridiculous reaction to a silly t-shirt, I’ll be going soon.

  27. Jack Jounson 4 years ago

    This article and comments are full of people who have nothing better to do with their lives than try to run people out of town. Lots of whiners and idiots who want to be woke to fit in with what CNN tells you to think. Yes, there is a problem with racism in this country, yes, the shirt was poorly placed but c’mon take a breath. Why aren’t you pounding on Hooters doors for half naked women. Why aren’t you telling ihop to remove chicken and waffles because it is racially inappropriate? You people are so full of yourselves but probably the same people that have “others” doing their yard work or cleaning your house. If the shirt said Puppy Lives Matter you’d shit have a fit. Get over yourself and doing something good with your life than complain about someone making a mistake. Those who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.

  28. Ashburn Resident 4 years ago

    And let’s not forget the now classic:
    “Maybe they should take both knees with their hands behind their head.” in response to taking a knee not working as an effective protest method.

  29. Small Business 4 years ago

    Just wondering why no one is going after Amazon? Maybe just easier to go after the little guy?

    https://www.amazon.com/Drunk-Wives-Matter-Funny-Birthday/dp/B07BX2NGL2

    https://www.amazon.com/Wife-Tees-Drunk-Matter-T-Shirt/dp/B07MDP34SC

    • LoCo Resident 4 years ago

      Hi Jason – I see you’ve made your way to the comments. It is possible to hold you accountable and hold Amazon accountable at the same time.

      In the future, you should consider making better choices.

  30. Caitlin 4 years ago

    The fact that HE feels he should be apologized TO is sad. Just because this man has not experienced racism and has not been personally offended my this shirt, doesn’t mean he gets to decide it’s okay.
    My advice, Bursey- LISTEN to the people who things like this effect. Listen to why and learn how you can change your actions to become more anti-racist. See the bigger picture and recognize how the things you view as a joke are not seen that way to people with different experiences as you. It doesn’t matter that your actions do not have I’ll intent when you refuse to apologize and correct yourself when it is pointed out that your “well-intended” actions have negative effects and are in fact covertly racist.

  31. Stephen Tober 4 years ago

    He states that, ““I have responded sensitively to anyone who may have felt bothered by that shirt.” This is untrue. When people started commenting about it on Parallel’s Facebook page, he simply deleted the comments and blocked those people from the page.

    Also, his portrayal of himself as a, “victim” is rediculous.

  32. Joline 4 years ago

    Get over yourselves people , it’s a funny t-shirt.
    This hyper-sensitive censorship is out of control.
    The only people who should be offended are drunk wives and they probably don’t care.

  33. Liz 4 years ago

    This owners entire statement is bull. We don’t go around saying our friend who is half white as if that makes everything okay. Own up to your mess and apologize sincerely if you are. But clearly, from this article, he’s not!

    Now with that said, the young lady that posted this didn’t go on every Facebook page it was copied from one page by others then posted elsewhere. Secondly, stop making it about the shirt. It’s about his other racist post and response to inbox messages. I’m sick of people playing victim to their blatant racist post.

    He was exposed and now playing the victims. We are so use to this and sick and tired of it.

  34. Jay 4 years ago

    There was HUGE Black Lives Matters march that took place yesterday from Ashburn Village, not too far from Parallel. That’s when I first became aware of this T-shirt on social media.
    I can attest to a LARGE number of people offended by it who are locals.
    + + +
    I been to Parallel twice as a local and looked with interest at the possibilities of his taking the spot vacated by the establishment across the way. I want to give Mr. Bursey the benefit of the doubt.
    + + +
    But I have to say, if he agreed enough to take down the shirt, he should be wise enough to understand how community relations work best by being magnanimous rather than confrontational, diplomatic, rather than being dead-set.
    + + +

  35. Sam P. 4 years ago

    Really surprising all this has gone down and a shame as we’ve enjoyed plenty of time at Parallel.

    Unfortunate that Bursey can’t see the opportunity for personal and community growth right in front of him.

    It’s not about the shirt anymore but now about what are his core beliefs. By lashing back he is signaling that he truly is the person that his personal Facebook account shows him to be.

    Bursey is now at a cross-roads: double down and start holding MAGA and Open Carry rallies or admit that he has some learning to do a hold a community summit on race and host the uncomfortable conversations.

    At a time when he’s expanding to the other side, you’d think he’s be a better businessman.

  36. Kate J 4 years ago

    Honestly the shirt I could’ve overlooked but then coupled with his comments…nah. He’s not a good person. He’s sorry he got caught.

    Additionally, kind of an idiotic thing to do as a business owner, so there’s that.

  37. Sher 4 years ago

    We started going to Parallel when it first opened. We became aware of Jason’s views about 2 1/2 years ago. We do not go there anymore. We prefer to support businesses that support us.

  38. b 4 years ago

    WOWOWOW You are SO IGNORANT

  39. s 4 years ago

    HE IS RACIST POS. This is not a about the DAM T-shirt anymore. It is about the RACIST comment he made. His yelp rating fell by half in ONE day. BOYCOTT. For all of these F up comments saying ” get over it,” it was a Joke” Should shut the hell up. You DONT mock others’ deaths by the hands of people that swore to protect & serve. There are so many radical racist people that every COUNTY thinks you are idiots. His comment was & I QUOTE ” They should take both knees..and hands behind the head”. I have the screenshot. STOP defending this behavior. IF YOU think this is ok THEN YOU are the problem.

  40. R. Dorrin 4 years ago

    Why did I read this?!?? ???? #timeisup for people like this business owner.

  41. Liz 4 years ago

    This owners entire statement is bull. We don’t go around saying our friend who is half white as if that makes everything okay. Own up to your mess and apologize sincerely if you are. But clearly, from this article, he’s not!

    Now with that said, the young lady that posted this didn’t go on every Facebook page it was copied from one page by others then posted elsewhere. Secondly, stop making it about the shirt. It’s about his other racist post and response to inbox messages. I’m sick of people playing victim to their blatant racist post.

    He was exposed and now playing the victims. We are so use to this and sick and tired of it.

  42. Carol 4 years ago

    People need to get over themselves and focus on making things better instead of making thing worse. I’m sure if someone had gone to Bursey and explained that the shirt offended them he would have taken it down, but now people are trying to ruin his business. How the hell is destroying him and his business going to make Black Lives Matter better???? If you don’t like his business, don’t go. There are plenty of other places to go for wine and whiskey.

  43. A concerned citizen 4 years ago

    This article seems to also be defending him. Such poor taste. He has also made other comments on social media that are unacceptable and that’s why people are even more mad! Present all the facts if you’re even going to write an article like this. It sounds like y’all agree with him.

  44. SM 4 years ago

    If you don’t like the restaurant, don’t go. It’s that simple! Stop trying to tear down everything and everyone that offends you. You are entitled to your opinion but you are not entitled to tell others what they should think. This is so out of control. I haven’t been to Parallel recently but will make sure to go again soon to support their business. They have great food and it’s a wonderful atmosphere to hang with friends or family.

  45. Stacey Hoff 4 years ago

    Jason should definitely NOT apologize. Everybody else get a grip.

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