Story highlights Rubbin' Buttz BBQ in Milliken, Colorado, offers "White Appreciation Day" discount on June 11

Despite the name, owner Edgar Antillon says discount will apply to Americans of all races

The U.S is a "melting pot" and "we should white people in that, too," Antillon tells CNN

(CNN) The owner of a Colorado barbecue restaurant who drew criticism for offering a "White Appreciation Day" discount says he wants to celebrate Americans of all races, not just one.

What started off as a joke about how there's no holiday that celebrates "the white community" has been misinterpreted as a racially charged promotion, said Edgar Antillon, co-owner of Rubbin' Buttz BBQ and Country Cafe in Milliken.

"We are an amazing culture here in the U.S. We're a melting pot," Antillon told CNN. "But we should include white people in that, too."

A sign posted in the restaurant's window announcing "White Appreciation Day" on June 11 reads, "Because all Americans should be celebrated."

In an interview with KUSA-TV this week, Antillon said it was unlikely that he would offer a discount to other racial groups. On Saturday, however, Antillon told CNN that any American -- white, black, Asian or Hispanic -- who visits Rubbin' Buttz on June 11 will be offered the same 10% discount.

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