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Illegal Pete's Will Keep Name Despite Complaints

DENVER (CBS4)- The owner of Illegal Pete's restaurants will not change the name despite some complaints that it's offensive to immigrants.

The owner of Illegal Pete's, Pete Turner, has six locations in Colorado. He's planning to open his latest location in Fort Collins next week.

He met with the group of about 50 concerned citizens in Fort Collins last month. They expressed concerns that the restaurant's name dehumanizes people.

In the blog portion of his website, Turner notified the group "We Are Not Illegal" that he would not change the name of his restaurant.

A portion of the statement reads: Illegal Pete's didn't really imply anything to me. It could be a bar, a book store, restaurant, or a head shop – it could be anything really, and that was the point. The name didn't pigeon-hole us into any obvious brand direction, which was very important to me. I'd always hoped that people would experience a great meal and a fun personal experience with our staff, and walk away with a personal connection to our culture.

Also in the blog Turner thanked those who took the time to voice their concerns with him.

The Fort Collins Illegal Pete's opens Nov. 13.

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