Downtown Centralia businesses speak out after JJ's ToGo's refusal to cater same-sex wedding
Nov. 7—In the wake of controversy over JJ's ToGo's refusal last weekend to cater the wedding of a same-sex couple, many other downtown Centralia businesses posted messages with a focus on inclusivity this week.
The couple, Ryah Calkins and Lillian Glover, had met with JJ's ToGo owners Jessica and Devin Britton on Saturday, Nov. 2, to pay in cash for previously agreed upon catering services for the couple's wedding in January.
During the meeting, however, the Brittons told the couple they were not willing to cater a same-sex wedding and were canceling their catering services. Their decision was based on their Christian religious beliefs, they wrote in a statement Sunday.
"Every decision that is made is based on our faith in Jesus Christ," wrote owners Jessica and Devin Britton. "Every creative idea or business decision is prayed about and discussed with every member of management before it is finalized. We publicly dedicated our business to God in front of so many of you and asked Him to make us His vessels and nothing more."
The Brittons said they publicly "apologize to Rya and Lily for any inconvenience that has caused in their wedding planning. It is extremely important to us that you both know we love you. And our decision to say no to this event is actually for your benefit. You should have someone catering your event that supports and can celebrate your union."
The Centralia Downtown Association (CDA) posted the following statement to its Facebook page on Monday, which was reposted by Hub City Honey, Lewis County Master Recycler/Composter, Centralia City Councilor Sarah Althauser, Fern Ridge Floral & Design, Multiculturally Minded LC, Rock Street Station and the Centerville Cafe, among others:
"At the CDA, we believe Main Streets are for everyone. At the core of our approach to revitalization is a commitment to creating places of shared prosperity, equal access to opportunity, and inclusive engagement," the post reads. "A broad constituency of stakeholders—including residents, visitors, entrepreneurs and customers—produce a thriving Main Street district. As centers of economic and social opportunity, commercial districts impact the health and prosperity of all stakeholders, and thus they should be reflected of and in service to ALL members of the community.
"To fulfill our mission, we must recognize inequity and embrace change. The Main Street Approach, with its emphasis on community engagement as a core element of district strategy, can offer a path forward. But creating places of shared prosperity, equal access, and inclusive engagement requires sustained commitment to education and action.
"Everyone who is part of the Main Street movement can take an active role in shaping an inclusive future. No matter your background or experience, embracing change can create discomfort. Educating yourself and creating conversations around these important topics is essential."
Several local Centralia businesses posted their own statements this week.
"At The Centerville Cafe, we have worked hard to create a space where ALL are invited and welcome to enjoy delicious food, made and served with love in a comfortable, safe and happy environment," the Tower Avenue eatery wrote. "We know there are many other businesses downtown that are inclusive, loving and kind to everyone. Support your favorite downtown businesses — we need you!"
Holly Phelps, owner of The Shady Lady, which shares space with Grist, and founder of The Twirl Foundation, posted Monday: "Historic Downtown Centralia is full of blocks of businesses that welcomes & serves everyone. JJs to Go does not represent the heart of my downtown neighbors. Please know that when you walk through the doors of The Shady Lady, Grist, & Twirl. Our door is safe and welcome for all to walk through. Much love to Ryah & Lili. My heart is with you both. I hope you have the most beautiful Wedding Day."
The Victorian and Steampunk Emporium stated Monday: "In case you are ever unsure of our stance on welcoming people into our community and space, know we respect and hold dear all in our community. Hate and bigotry have no home here. I am so proud to be a part of a community within downtown Centralia of kind and welcoming individuals and business. Know you are always welcome into our safe space and if you need a chat we are here for that."
The Cluttered Closet Boutique stated Tuesday: "A space where everyone belongs! Here, it's all about clothes that make you feel fantastic — celebrating style, confidence, and self-expression for everyone. Come as you are and enjoy! Style is for everyone. Let's celebrate the season together."
JJ's Sports Bar, which had its grand opening on Oct. 18 at the former location of Bub's Pub Sports Bar & Grill on North Tower Avenue, issued a statement Tuesday clarifying that the business is not affiliated with JJ's ToGo.
"We are a separate, family-owned, and community-focused establishment. Unfortunately, due to the confusion, we have been receiving negative reviews and messages, which we believe are intended for JJ's To Go.
"At JJ's Sports Bar, we pride ourselves on offering delicious Mexican cuisine in a lively sports setting. Our venue is for guests aged 21 and over, where you can enjoy great food, drinks, and unique entertainment," JJ's Sports Bar, which is named after father-and-son owners Juan Sr. and Juan Martinez Jr., stated Tuesday. "We kindly ask our guests and the community to not associate us with the actions of JJ's To Go. We wish all parties involved the best resolution possible and appreciate your understanding and support during this time."
Protesters gathered at JJ's ToGo on Monday morning holding signs decrying the decision by JJ's ToGo while diners who were supportive of the business ate inside.
The couple is working on filing complaints with the Washington state Human Rights Commission and the Washington state Attorney General's Office.
"We take our role in protecting Washingtonians' civil rights seriously. When we receive complaints alleging civil rights violations, our legal team reviews them and seeks additional information as needed," Washington State Office of the Attorney General Communications Director Brionna Aho said in an email to The Chronicle on Monday. "Our office has a longstanding policy that we do not comment on investigations, including confirming whether they exist."
The Washington Law Against Discrimination prohibits discrimination in public accommodations, which includes gender identity and sexual orientation. Religious beliefs do not provide an exemption under the law.
In 2021, the U.S. Supreme Court denied review of a state lawsuit against a Washington florist for violating the Washington Consumer Protection Act and the Washington Law Against Discrimination by refusing to serve a couple seeking to buy flowers in 2013.
"The State of Washington bars discrimination in public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation. Discrimination based on same-sex marriage constitutes discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. We therefore hold that the conduct for which (the flower shop's owner) was cited and fined in this case — refusing her commercially marketed wedding floral services to (the couple) because theirs would be a same-sex wedding — constitutes sexual orientation discrimination under the (Washington Law Against Discrimination)," the Supreme Court decision reads.
The Attorney General's Office does not offer interpretations of the law outside of client advice or official opinions, which are only issued following a complete investigation.
Support for JJ's ToGo
In the wake of the controversy, a majority of the online customer reviews of the business have been negative, with some equating the decision not to cater the wedding to bigotry and homophobia.
Others, though, have been supportive of the business.
"The vast majority of the negative reviews were written by dishonest people who have never been to JJs and simply disagree with his moral views," one Facebook user wrote. "The food is amazing, and I will for sure be going back."
"The hate received by this business for upholding their values is absolutely despicable," another user wrote. "They have done nothing wrong in sticking to their values in a completely appropriate way. Choosing not to participate is not the same as hate or discrimination. Go ahead and support or not with your wallet. But spewing hate at them makes you no better than what you're accusing them of. Hypocrites."
Wedding caterer found
The couple, Calkins and Glover, reached out to The Crowded Kitchen on Saturday after the incident with JJ's ToGo and set up a meeting with owners Lorinne and Keith Birdwell for the next day.
"Literally, the second from shaking her and her husband's hand, it was just like I immediately knew they accepted us regardless of who they were. It felt like family on the spot," Calkins said, adding that Birdwells and The Crowded Kitchen staff have gone "above and beyond" to show "that they wanted to make this the best as they could for us."
"I love everyone, do not judge because I am not the judge of anyone! I have my beliefs, my faith (which is strong) and I respect anyone that is different from me," Lorinne Birdwell said in a Facebook post on Sunday. "This has been a day of asking myself, 'how do I do this?' without making it any more than a couple that wants amazing food at their wedding, well that is exactly what I did! Met this beautiful couple that had my heart from HELLO! I have always and will always support my faith, my beliefs and my path but this is business and I will support this couple in their amazing menu and we will rock it!"
Calkins said earlier this week that she and her fianceé want to use the publicity of this incident to highlight the supportive people and businesses in the community.
