Colorado restaurant owners say 'White Appreciation Day' promoted unity

MILLIKEN, Colo. (WPVI) -- The owners of a BBQ joint in Colorado offered a "White Appreciation Day" deal in hopes to promote unity and celebrate different cultures.

Restaurant owners Edgar Antillon and Miguel Jimenez are both Mexican-Americans.

The pair started discussing the discount idea last year during Hispanic heritage month.

They say the promotion was less about singling out one race and more about celebrating every culture equally.

"I think we are going through that hurdle. There's still a lot of racial tension, but people understand that we're all Americans. We all need to come together and just work together as Americans, love and respect each other," said Antillon.

Despite the backlash, which included both death threats and bomb threats, the day went off without a hitch.

Ultimately, Antillon said that was his goal: Using the controversy to promote unity - and fill his restaurant.