Republican Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders has spoken out following an incident at The Croissanterie restaurant in Little Rock, Arkansas, where she was asked to leave by the owner due to concerns raised by employees about her political presence.
Details of the Incident
On Friday, March 13, Sanders visited The Croissanterie for lunch with two other mothers and her security detail. After about an hour and fifteen minutes, during which her party was seated and had already paid and tipped staff, the restaurant owner approached a member of the State Police Executive Protection Detail.
The owner informed the security detail that Sanders’ presence was making the employees feel threatened and uncomfortable due to her political views. Following the request, Sanders and her group complied and exited the restaurant.
As they were leaving, an individual from the restaurant staff reportedly shouted at Sanders and made a crude hand gesture in her direction. This added to the tension of the situation, drawing attention to the challenges public figures often face in public spaces.
Restaurant’s Response
The restaurant later released a statement, explaining that they were initially surprised by the governor’s arrival. When Sanders was already seated and eating, they chose not to interrupt and expected her party to leave without incident.
However, as time went on, the presence of the governor’s security detail became more noticeable, raising concerns among both employees and guests. The restaurant emphasized that the decision to ask Sanders to leave was based on the discomfort expressed by employees and guests, and not due to any threats made.
“We recognized that any course of action carried consequences. Allowing her to stay risked being perceived as a lack of support for the community that makes up the majority of our team, as well as their families and friends,” the restaurant stated. “Conversely, asking her to leave could be viewed as denying service based on differing beliefs.”
The restaurant further clarified that no one directly indicated feeling “threatened” but that the discomfort led to their decision. The owner also addressed the incident where a customer made an “inappropriate hand gesture,” explaining that the individual was not an employee, and that the matter was dealt with appropriately.
Governor’s Response
In her statement, Sanders expressed disappointment at the incident but emphasized that Arkansans are known for their hospitality. “While that restaurant certainly doesn’t meet that standard, my administration will continue to focus on lifting Arkansans up, not tearing others down with discrimination and hate,” she said.
This incident has reignited conversations around political divisions and how public figures are treated in public spaces based on their views. Sanders drew parallels to an incident in 2018, when she was serving as President Donald Trump’s press secretary, and was also asked to leave a Red Hen restaurant in Virginia for similar reasons.
Similar Incidents in the Past
The incident echoes a similar situation that occurred in 2018 when Sarah Huckabee Sanders, while working as press secretary for President Trump, was asked to leave a Red Hen restaurant in Lexington, Virginia. At that time, the owner of the Red Hen told Sanders she was not welcome because of her job and association with the president.
Sanders publicly tweeted about the situation, asserting that the actions of the restaurant owner “say far more about her than about me,” and reiterated her commitment to treating people respectfully, even when they disagreed with her.
In 2018, other prominent Republican figures, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senator Ted Cruz, and former Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, faced similar confrontations in public settings due to their political affiliations.
The incident at The Croissanterie has sparked debate over how public figures are treated in private spaces, especially regarding their political affiliations. As the situation unfolds, both Sanders and the restaurant are standing by their respective decisions, with Sanders emphasizing her commitment to respectful dialogue and hospitality, while the restaurant’s choice highlights the complex balance business owners often have to strike when addressing sensitive political issues.
