Federal Indictment Centers on ’86’ Term Used by Comey
Federal prosecutors allege that former FBI Director James Comey invoked the term “86” on Instagram as a veiled threat against President Donald Trump. However, many hospitality workers contend that this expression is simply part of their daily vernacular.
Commonplace in the Hospitality Industry
“This is probably the most overused word in hospitality,” stated Mike Reyes, a seasoned operational excellence consultant at FLIK Hospitality Group. Reyes, who has been part of the industry for many years, explained that when an item runs out, it is often marked as the “86 edition,” indicating it is unavailable and needs replenishment. He noted that he first encountered the term when he began working at a restaurant at age 14.
Context of the Allegations
The controversy is at the heart of a federal indictment against Comey in North Carolina. He was charged last year with two counts of threatening the president’s life after he shared a photo on social media of seashells arranged to read “86 47” on a beach.
Reactions from Industry Peers
The indictment suggests that a “reasonable recipient” would interpret Comey’s posts as an expression of intent to harm President Trump. This interpretation has elicited strong reactions from individuals in the restaurant sector. David Brangoli, owner and chef of Pavin 86, an upscale Italian restaurant in New York City, described this reading as “ridiculous.” He clarified that the number in his restaurant’s name references its East 86th Street location and its deep roots in the dining industry.
Defining the Term
“The term ’86’ is relevant only when staff run out of an item,” Brangoli explained, emphasizing its longstanding usage in the field. He asserted that he has never linked the term to violence. “If it’s 86, I’ll order more tomorrow. Right now, it’s just 86,” he said, underscoring the term’s benign context within the industry.
Perspectives on Its Meaning
Reyes expressed his surprise at the accusations, noting that “it’s a term that’s used often without malice.” He acknowledged hearing it employed humorously, sometimes in contexts that imply someone is “out of the picture.” Chef John Coppola, who runs Bread & Spread Sandwiches in Brooklyn, stated that while the term can suggest something is missing, in hospitality, it typically denotes something that needs to be discarded or removed.
Evolving Interpretations of ’86’
The origins of the term remain ambiguous, but it is believed to have emerged in New York City. Nicole Holliday, a linguistics professor at UC Berkeley, stated that the term dates back to at least the 1930s, initially used in soda shops to indicate sold-out items. Various theories about its origin exist, one of which links it to Delmonico’s restaurant, known for running out of its 86th most popular steak quickly. Others suggest ties to a Prohibition-era bar where patrons were advised to “do 86” when police showed up.
Debate Over Criminal Implications
While President Trump has labeled “86” a mob term with violent connotations, experts in the field, including Zach Jensen from the Mob Museum in Las Vegas, dispute its connection to organized crime, noting a lack of documented evidence. Jensen acknowledged that while some interpretations link the term to homicide, its primary use revolves around removing an item from service. “It’s part of Las Vegas mob lore, but it’s important to clarify that the term’s use is largely metaphorical,” he stated.
