A Milwaukee restaurant issued a public apology on Sunday night after a social media post revealed it did not accommodate Bucks All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo in time.
BelAir Cantina, a chain of six Mexican restaurants in the Milwaukee area, said in a statement on its Twitter and Facebook pages that it was sorry it wasn't able to seat the "Greek Freak" right away when he stopped into one of its restaurants after Sunday's victory over the Celtics, resulting in his exit.
"We are very sorry we weren't able to seat Giannis Antetokounmpo in as timely manner as we would have hoped," the statement said. "The Milwaukee Bucks' big win, thanks to his tip in and the team's great play, combined with today's spring weather had people turn out in droves to celebrate and we had quite a wait. We were honored he came in for a celebratory meal, and wish we would have accommodated him right away."
"I did not find it a big deal...it was a beautiful day, there were a lot of people enjoying their Sunday brunch. I've been in the restaurant a lot of times. They are good people."
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) April 23, 2018
- @Giannis_An34 on his Sunday post game meal: pic.twitter.com/SYpiCcj4Vv
The moment in the restaurant gained traction after a diner took to social media, surprised that hard-to-miss 6-foot-11 Antetokounmpo -- less than two hours after his tip-in propelled the Bucks to a 104-102 victory over the Celtics -- wasn't being taken care of.
At @BelAirCantina on water street and just watched @Giannis_An34 wait for a table for 10 minutes and no one helped him so he left... Dude just won Milwaukee a playoff game! Get him some service pic.twitter.com/hcjsJfThiA
— Morgan (@MoSokanhe) April 22, 2018
The same fan later tweeted, "It was really cool how unassuming he was. Didn't complain, just quietly left."
After the restaurant publicly apologized, Antetokounmpo's girlfriend, Mariah Riddlesprigger, then responded on Twitter.
Its all good, much love for you guys ❤️ also thanks to all of the concerned fans I appreciate your support @BelAirCantina pic.twitter.com/gBKSV3CTGJ
— Mariah Danae (@mariahdanae15) April 23, 2018
The recipient of Antetokounmpo's business on Sunday night was a pizza place located less than a half-mile away from the Mexican restaurant. It not only took care of him, but proudly announced on its Instagram page that he visited.
BelAir Cantina not only apologized, but said it hopes to save face by making sure Antetokounmpo can get a table after Thursday's Game 6. With the series now 2-2, the two teams play Game 5 in Boston on Tuesday.
The restaurant also announced Sunday that if the Bucks win the series on Thursday, it will give away a free taco on Friday at all of its locations with the purchase of another item.