KILLEEN, Texas — Anyone who decides to visit Ferrari-Pizza Pasta Subs in Killeen will have the chance to order some Italian cuisine with a side of vulgar decorations.
Ferrari owner Robert Ferrari told 6 News his restaurant opened in 1958.
"I'm from New York and most of my customers come from the North to get true Italian food from me here," Ferrari shared.
In his restaurant, Ferrari allows customers from all across Central Texas to bring in posters, signs and memorabilia for him to put up on his restaurant walls.
These posters, signs and memorabilia are spread all across the restaurant and range from harsh jokes about women to profanity to photos mocking former presidents.
Some deem the restaurant's display as offensive, disrespectful or inappropriate.
Leon Lattanzio visited Killeen from Germany to meet his family in late March and said he has never witnessed such hate in his life.
"Even in Europe you cannot show hate like that in a public place, so this was not normal for us," Lattanzio explained.
Lattanzio and his brother Luis decided to leave the restaurant after 10 minutes and did not order anything.
Ferrari said he has freedom of speech and is able to post whatever he wants in his establishment.
"God gave us freedom of speech and freedom of choice," Ferrari said. "You can read a sentence and take it how you want to take it and I can do the same."
Ferrari also added that he has received pushback from both Killeen City officials and customers who dislike the images he has displayed in the restaurant.
"If I'm wrong about something then I apologize, but other than that, I got my expression, I'm going to express myself," Ferrari said. "Whatever you think I'm putting up there, I don't deny anybody anything. You're entitled to your opinion. You're entitled to your speech."
6 News reached out to Killeen Mayor Debbie Nash-King for comment and she provided the following statement:
"As a mayor, I take seriously the responsibility to foster a welcoming and inclusive community for all residents and visitors. It has come to my attention that a restaurant within our city has displayed offensive signage that does not align with our community values of respect and dignity for all individuals.
Since this is a private business and not a governmental agency of the City of Killeen, we do not have the legal right to take any enforcement action or sanction the owner. Even though the signage may be considered offensive, it is protected speech under the First Amendment.
I want to make it clear that such behavior is not welcome in our city. Furthermore, I encourage members of our community to speak out against hate speech and discriminatory behavior whenever they encounter it. We must stand together to create a community where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued."
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