FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 30, 1998
A group of African-American members of the Mount Gilead Baptist Church and Vista Restaurants, Inc. are pleased to announce that they have reached a settlement agreement resolving their differences over events that took place on April 1, 1998, at a Perkins Family Restaurant in Aurora owned and operated by Vista.
The Mount Gilead group alleged that it was denied service at the restaurant on the basis of race. Vista denies the allegation and states that Vista welcomes people of all races to its restaurants. Vista regrets that the events of April 1, 1998 led to a dispute and misunderstanding.
Richard L. Gabriel of Holme Robert & Owen LLP served as ACLU cooperating attorney in the negotiations. Philip L. Gordon of Krendl Horowitz & Krendl served as attorney for Vista Restaurants.
The terms of the agreement are confidential.
