Owner feels 'used' after Diotte ad filmed at Blue Plate Diner

The owner of an Edmonton restaurant says she feels angry and used after mayoral candidate Kerry Diotte filmed an online ad in her diner.

Rima Devitt owns the Blue Plate Diner on 104th Street.

Devitt said a customer asked for permission to film a low budget spot for a mayoral candidate.

Trying to be accommodating, and tight on time, Devitt said she didnt ask enough questions about the nature of the film a decision which she now regrets.

The video features actors in her restaurant saying the downtown arena deal stinks.

When Devitt saw the ad she says she was embarrassed.

I hate the fact that they didn't run any of the script by us. I hate the fact that I didn't ask what the script was or what the ad was about, said Devitt.

Shortly after the video was posted, the Blue Plate Diner became the target of negative attention on social media, with some criticizing it for appearing to support Diottes campaign.

However Devitt said this isnt the case.

It's just, you know, you get busy. You get caught up. I'm not a political person. I'm not a political maven or anything like that. And I really was naive.

In a tweet about the controversial ad, Diotte called the Blue Plate Diner fab and blamed critics for causing mischief.

But Devitt says theres more to it than that.

I feel used and I feel like the Blue Plate Diner was used and I feel like filming in a spot like ours may have been more strategic than random.

Diotte did not respond to CBC's requests for an interview.