Cape Cod Restaurant Faces Threats and Business Decline After Hosting GOP Fundraiser
Cape Cod restaurant owner faces threats and business drop after hosting Republican fundraiser. Local backlash and hoax call disrupt operations.
POLICY WIRE — Truro, Massachusetts — A Cape Cod restaurateur has reported a sharp decline in business and online harassment following a political event hosted at his establishment.
Ed Medeiros, who has operated Montano’s Restaurant in Truro since 2024, said he received threatening messages and saw sales drop by more than half after the September 16 fundraiser for gubernatorial candidate Mike Minogue and congressional hopeful Tyler Macallister.
Medeiros described being targeted with negative comments and personal threats, including remarks like, I hope your restaurant burns down. He also noted that a hoax 911 call about a missing person disrupted business just days after the event, leading to further financial losses.
The incident led to an extensive search by first responders, but no connection was found between the call and the fundraiser. Despite this, Medeiros said the disruption significantly impacted his revenue, with weekend sales falling more than 50% compared to normal levels.
The backlash has also affected his staff, some of whom are now hesitant to come to work. Medeiros expressed concerns for his family’s safety in the area. He emphasized that hosting the event was not an endorsement of the candidates’ views, but rather a way to boost business during the slower season.
Support from local Republicans, including U.S. Senate candidate John Deaton and Massachusetts Republican Party Chairwoman Amy Carnevale, has been voiced in response to the situation. Both have called for investigations into the threats and the hoax call, condemning the intimidation of small businesses.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
