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"Located in Richmond’s Union Hill neighborhood, Metzger Bar and Butchery canceled a 20-person private dessert reception booked by the Richmond-based Family Foundation for November 30, calling off the reservation about an hour and a half before the event because of the group's known opposition to same-sex marriage and abortion rights. In an Instagram statement the restaurant said, 'We have always refused service to anyone for making our staff uncomfortable or unsafe' and emphasized that many of its staff are women and/or members of the LGBTQ+ community, framing the decision as protecting employees' dignity and a safe work environment. A destination for inventive German fare — including riffs on falafel and schnitzel enhanced with curry mustard — Metzger is led by Top Chef and Chopped alum Brittanny Anderson and has drawn national attention over the refusal; the restaurant temporarily blocked comments on its Yelp page and later donated proceeds from its 'Cracks in the Foundation' bourbon cocktail to Equality Virginia." - Tierney Plumb