Restaurant owner lulls political talks

NORWICH, Conn. (WTNH) -- A Norwich restaurant owner is hoping to keep the political conversations to a dull roar.

The only raised voices Kathy Burkart likes to hear in her Norwich restaurant are orders for her more than thirty types of donuts and muffins, but lately the table talk has gotten more heated than a freshly brewed cup of coffee.

"Usually between 8 and 9. That's when they're all up and they've had a half cup of coffee. Then they're starting to feel feisty," customer Wally Gmyr, said.

Wally Gmyr is a regular at Dixie Donuts. He stays out of the political conversations but can't avoid hearing them.

"Sometimes you learn a lot, sometimes you don't. Sometimes you hear things that you don't want to hear," Gmyr said.

To keep the peace, Burkart put this on her specials board. "To maintain friends and 'peace,' please keep political conversations to a dull roar. I'm Kathy Burkart and I approve this message."

When News 8 asked when she put the sign up, Burkart said, "The day after the first debate."

Two down and one to go. The sign up will be up for a while.

"It's been a little rough this time. Yeah a lot of the conversation has turned a bit tough and especially being a family atmosphere, we don't need foul language. I like our friends to stay friends," Burkart said.

If the sign doesn't seem to do the trick, Kathy comes around the counter and rings a bell. Now that seems to grab enough attention and she says it does quiet folks down, keeping conversations civil and the atmosphere light.

"I actually had someone come in and ask me, you mean we can't talk politics? I said no, read my sign. Keep it to a dull roar and we're all happy," Burkart said, laughing.

She wants people to enjoy their visit as much as her donuts.