Community leaders in Baltimore are raising alarms over the controversial name of a new restaurant set to open soon. Originally named “Block 10,” the restaurant drew immediate backlash due to its historical connection to Auschwitz, where a section bearing the same name was infamous for heinous acts during the Holocaust.
Wayne Laing, the restaurant’s owner, has explained that the name was chosen for its association with the restaurant’s design and concept, which includes ten private dining rooms within a brick structure. He initially dismissed concerns, believing that other restaurants sharing a similar name indicated it was harmless.
However, local leaders, including City Councilwoman Odette Ramos, have voiced significant concerns regarding the restaurant’s name. Upon discovering the historical implications, Ramos contacted Laing’s attorney to urge a reconsideration of the name, fearing that it could offend community members, particularly those within the Jewish community.
In response, Laing changed the name to “Block X,” but community leaders argue that this alteration is insufficient, as “X” still represents the Roman numeral for ten. They emphasize the importance of choosing a name free from historical connotations tied to atrocity.
With the grand opening scheduled for January 1st, the community is calling for further dialogue and a more thoughtful name change, hoping Laing acknowledges the gravity of the historical implications involved.
Backlash Over Restaurant Name Sparks Community Dialogue in Baltimore
#### Community Concerns Over “Block 10” Name Change
Baltimore is experiencing a surge of community engagement and concern surrounding the recent name change of a new restaurant. Originally called “Block 10,” the name evoked distress due to its associations with the infamous Auschwitz concentration camp, where a section named “Block 10” was historically linked to severe atrocities during the Holocaust.
#### The Owner’s Perspective and Community Backlash
Wayne Laing, the owner of the restaurant, initially chose the name based on its architectural design, which features ten private dining rooms within a brick building. He believed that the name was appropriate and that other establishments with similar names were evidence of its general acceptability. However, following significant backlash from community leaders—including City Councilwoman Odette Ramos—Laing’s stance shifted.
Ramos and others urged him to reconsider the name, emphasizing the sensitivity of historical contexts, especially for the Jewish community and Holocaust survivors. This led to a name change from “Block 10” to “Block X.” Despite this adjustment, community leaders argue that the new name still implicitly references the problematic original name, as “X” stands for the Roman numeral ten.
#### A Call for Thoughtful Naming
As the restaurant’s grand opening approaches on January 1st, there is growing pressure from community members to engage in further discussions about a more suitable name that respectfully acknowledges historical significance. Leaders in Baltimore are advocating for a resolution that fosters inclusivity and mindfulness in branding, suggesting that the restaurant could benefit from aligning its identity with a name that reflects positive values rather than historical scars.
#### Potential Implications and Future Considerations
The controversy surrounding the restaurant’s naming has raised broader discussions about the implications of business branding in historical contexts. Local leaders are encouraging businesses to adopt naming strategies that avoid controversial or painful associations, which can contribute to community sensitivity and cohesion.
### Conclusion
This incident illustrates the power of names and the importance of cultural awareness in business operations. The discourse it has generated highlights a need for local businesses to engage thoughtfully with their communities to avert misunderstandings and build positive relationships.
For more insights on community dynamics and business strategies, visit Baltimore Government.
