Fresno Restaurant Reopens After Racist Stereotype Forces Closure

Love & Thai overcomes baseless accusations and harassment, highlighting the persistence of harmful stereotypes about Asian cuisine in the U.S..

David Rasavong, owner of Love & Thai restaurant in Fresno, California, was forced to close his previous location due to a six-month barrage of harassment stemming from a baseless accusation that his restaurant served dog meat, a stereotype often associated with Asian cuisine.
The false accusation was made by an individual claiming to be an animal welfare crusader, who implied on social media that a pitbull tied up at an unconnected home next door was going to be served on the restaurant's menu.
The incident highlights the persistence of racist stereotypes about Asian cuisines in the U.S., a problem that Asian American communities continue to fight against.
Despite the ordeal, Rasavong received significant community support and was able to reopen his restaurant at a new location, where it continues to thrive.
The incident has sparked discussions about the need for greater understanding and appreciation of Asian cuisines, with a growing interest in food from the Asian diaspora across traditional and new media.