He seems to be aware of the legality of open carry (now) and says I am welcome back anytime. He was apologetic for what happened.

He mentioned that the employee indicated that they were nervous due to a bunch of crime happening lately in Old Saybrook. I think we both were in agreement this is not a reasonable justification to expel someone and mock them from a restaurant that publicly welcomes law abiding citizens (armed or otherwise) in their restaurants all across the country.

He assures me that it will not happen again and that I am welcome. He also says that he will have his district manager call me. That will be good, because before I step foot in the restaurant again, I will need to make sure I have a letter from the district manager saying that I am welcome there as long as I am obeying the law whether I am armed or not. I am not going to take the risk of entering that store again and giving Sgt Gardner the excuse he seems to be hot for and let him arrest me for trespass.