The Ticket Sports Pub downtown faces social media backlash over 'Trump shot' marquee

Ticket Sports Pub was on the receiving end of complaints after they began selling "Trump shots," as advertised on the marquee outside the downtown business Jan. 29, 2017. Ticket Sports Pub was on the receiving end of complaints after they began selling "Trump shots," as advertised on the marquee outside the downtown business Jan. 29, 2017. Photo: Courtesy/Facebook Photo: Courtesy/Facebook Image 1 of / 20 Caption Close The Ticket Sports Pub downtown faces social media backlash over 'Trump shot' marquee 1 / 20 Back to Gallery

Ticket Sports Pub found itself on the receiving end of complaints this weekend after they began selling "Trump shots," as advertised on the marquee outside the downtown business.

"Hey Dems (and) celebs, protest less, drink more," their marquee read. "Now serving Trump shots."

A photo of the marquee was posted by a Facebook user Sunday and has since caused the bar, which could not be reached for comment, to pull down the drink special. The Facebook post amassed dozens of disapproving comments from those who felt the advertisement was insensitive toward citizens protesting in recent days. Many vowed to never give the bar their business again.

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"Thanks for outing yourself as idiots," one commenter said. "One less place for people to acknowledge.

Another suggested the bar did not understand its audience as Bexar County largely voted for Hillary Clinton in the general election.

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"Sorry guys, but no one has endorsed or slandered an unpopular president. We think it's funny to offer an orange shot that mimics his skin color. That's all it is, but group thinkers like to jump to conclusions," the bar said in response to the comments. "If you look at previous marquees, you will see that we don't stand on either side of issues. Would you prefer Harambe shots? Or would that get on people's nerves also. It's a joke, nothing more nothing less."

I work across the street from this sports bar, but have never gone in for a drink. I never will. #TheTicKKKet Posted by Ernest Herrera on Sunday, January 29, 2017

However, the bar's response did not fare well with commenters either. One said the bar should reconsider their social media strategy as to not ruin their business.

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"This response to the sign is such bull. Rather then own up to what you were trying to do , you play it off as a joke. Pathetic," one said.

Todd Koym, who says he is part owner of the establishment, added to the comment thread via The Ticket's official Facebook account at about 4 p.m. Monday.

"I put the message on the sign. To be perfectly clear, the intent was to stir up business by taking a playful jab at those who hate Trump, in effect inviting them to take it easy and have a drink instead. We came up with an absurd orange-colored "Trump shot" to go with it. It was not meant to be taken serioulsy [sic]or literally."

Koym went on to invite anyone who disagrees with The Ticket's message to come by and give him a piece of their mind in person.

"I'll buy the round, unless you are a boycotter," Koym posted. "We welcome all opinions at the Ticket and encourage a good debate. True diversity includes diversity of thought."

The marquee has since been changed.

kbradshaw@express-news.net

Twitter: @kbrad5