Philadelphia landmark Geno's Steaks (I prefer Jim's to both Geno's and Pat's for both better steaks and less tourists) declared English the official language for its steak shop. This is pretty cool, and kind of funny:

[Owner Joseph] Vento, who lives in Shamong, put up the signs when the
immigration debate seized national headlines six months ago.

With Geno's Steaks tattooed on his arm, Vento is used to publicizing things, especially what's on his mind. Speak English signs also poster his Hummer. He has driven through South Philadelphia blaring through the SUV's P.A. system denunciations of neighborhood business owners who hire illegal immigrants.

"I say what everybody's thinking but is afraid to say," Vento said.

While David Weigel doubts that "wiz wit'" (how I order) is an accurate test of English skills, I think this demonstrates that some business owners will not hire illegals, even though they could, and employ Americans.

Posted by Ryan S. on Wednesday, May 31, 2006 at 1:16 PM | Permalink |