Review of Experience on July 25, 2025
I would like to share my experience during a business trip / layover in Winona. I was accompanied by another corporate pilot, both of us working for a Fortune company. After a 30-minute drive from Winona, we arrived at the restaurant around 7:00 PM and chose to sit at a high-top table in the bar area.
We were initially greeted by a friendly and polite young Italian server who made a positive first impression. As I settled in, I rested my calf onto the adjacent high-top stool--something I didn't view as out of place given the casual setting and my physical discomfort following a strenuous workout earlier in the day. When the server returned, he uncomfortably requested that I place my feet flat on the floor. I accepted the correction without argument, though I was a bit confused, especially since the height of the seating made that physically awkward. I knew this request was not coming directly from him.
A few minutes later, I inadvertently placed my foot on the lower bar footrest of the chair adjacent. At that moment, the individual who I now understand to be the owner--Antonio A.--aggressively motioned for me to approach him. Without any attempt at civil discourse, he began shouting at me, demanding that I remove my feet from his furniture, stating, "I don't come to your house and jump all over your couch. Quit disrespecting my restaurant!"
Completely taken aback, I remained calm and attempted to understand what had caused such an extreme response. Instead of engaging in any constructive conversation, the owner escalated the situation further, continuing to yell in my face before ultimately demanding we leave his establishment immediately, stating, "Before things get worse."
It was, without question, the most unprofessional and aggressive treatment I have ever received from any place of business. I have dined in esteemed restaurants across the globe and never experienced such a public and humiliating confrontation.
Unfortunately, I had not read the any of the negative reviews about this establishment prior to visiting--but I can now confirm from personal experience that the previous accounts are consistent with what we encountered. The owner's behavior is erratic, disrespectful, and completely disproportionate to the situation.
After leaving, we drove a short distance into La Crosse and enjoyed a truly outstanding dinner at CIATTI'S Italian Restaurant. The food was excellent, the service gracious, and the atmosphere warm. I left an 80% tip--not out of obligation, but in recognition of the dignity, kindness, and professionalism shown to us.
As a follower of Jesus Christ, I try to love others and carry a joyful disposition in my daily life. I found the experience at the previous restaurant not only disrespectful but also deeply disappointing. My hope is that Mr. Antonio A. might one day choose to publicly explain his actions--if not to defend himself, then at least to offer the public some clarity as to what prompted such hostility.
I'm not angry about the situation; I truly believe it was not personal. I feel sorry for the raging anger this man carries in his heart. And especially sympathetic for the unfortunate family members that are forced to work there. I'd escape that hell.
~Sincerely read more