Normally, a businessperson trying to serve the broadest possible audience would not be a new story. That's generally how the vast majority of businesses operate. They want to be able to sell their goods or services to as many people as possible in an environment where everyone feels comfortable.
That's why Caesars Entertainment (CZR) houses Wayne Newton, Donny Osmond, "RuPaul's Drag Race," the "X-Country" topless revue, "Menopause: The Musical," and "Zombie Burlesque," across its Las Vegas Strip properties. Nobody makes a fan of the topless country show go to see "RuPaul's Drag Race," but whatever overlap there might be between those two shows can watch both in a safe, comfortable environment.
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Caesars isn't making a statement about topless women, sexy zombies, drag, or aging singers by putting on any of these shows. It's casting the widest net possible to try to appeal to as many different people as possible.
Call it inclusivity motivated by a desire to make as much money as possible. That's what Walt Disney (DIS) and Target (TGT) have done and it was the toe in the water that Anheuser-Busch (BUD) tried to embrace with its now infamous partnership with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney.
The Bud Light maker wasn't trying to take a political position. It was simply saying (more or less) "you exist, we support that, and we really hope you and the people who follow you on social media might try our beer."
It makes sense for any mass market business to welcome all customers. That's exactly what Garth Brooks is doing at his new Nashville bar, and the country legend has shot back at people who have criticized his choices.
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Garth Brooks Sends a Message Of Love, Inclusivity
The legendary singer, who plans to open “Friends in Low Places Bar and Honky Tonk,” in Nashville soon has made his feelings on Bud Light very clear in a conversation with Billboard's Executive Editor Melinda Newman at Billboard Country Live in Nashville on May 7.
“I know this sounds corny, I want it to be the Chick-fil-A of honky-tonks,” Brooks shared. “I want it to be a place you feel safe in. I want it to be a place where you feel like there are manners and people like one another.”
Brooks made it clear that he would be serving Bud Light (and all beers) at his bar.
“Our thing is this: If you come into this house, love one another. If you’re an a--hole, there are plenty of other places on Lower Broadway to go,” he added.
Those remarks, as you might imagine, led to the singer facing a backlash from some of his farther-right-leaning fans.
Brooks, however, was not deterred by any anger his remarks inspired. He addressed the fallout from his initial comments on his “Inside Studio G" live stream.
“Everybody’s got their opinions. But inclusiveness is always going to be me,” Brooks said.
The singer continued and used a word that has been triggering to Ron DeSantis and other politicians and right-wing celebrities have rallied again.
“I think diversity is the answer to the problems that are here and the answer to the problems that are coming. So I love diversity. All-inclusive, so all are welcome. I understand that might not be other people’s opinions, but that’s OK, man,” he added.
Brooks acknowledged that his stance might cost him some customers. but also made it clear he did not care.
"So, here’s the deal, man, if you want to come to Friends in Low Places, come in. But come in with love, come in with tolerance, patience. Come in with an open mind, and it’s cool," he said.
