A recent incident involving Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has brought attention to her dining experiences in local restaurants. Following a lunch visit at The Croissanterie in Little Rock, she reported being asked to leave due to concerns from restaurant staff and other diners.
Details of the Incident
During her lunch outing, Sanders was accompanied by two other mothers. According to her statement, the restaurant owner expressed that her presence was making employees feel uncomfortable. A member of her security detail was approached by the owner, who indicated that they should leave.
Response from The Croissanterie
In response to Sanders’ claims, The Croissanterie issued a statement to local news outlet THV 11. They noted that multiple employees and diners had voiced concerns about the governor’s presence. The management explained that allowing her to stay could be interpreted as a lack of support for the restaurant’s majority community.
- The restaurant clarified that it did not recall anyone feeling threatened.
- Staff reportedly asked the security detail to leave on two separate occasions.
- The Croissanterie emphasized its decision was based on supporting its employees and patrons.
The restaurant expressed regret over the predicament but stood by its decision to prioritize employee comfort and guest satisfaction.
Previous Incidents with Governor Sanders
This was not the first time Sanders has faced dining-related controversies. In 2019, while serving as the White House Press Secretary, she was also asked to leave a Virginia restaurant called the Red Hen. Coincidentally, the restaurant’s co-owner, Stephanie Wilkinson, described the backlash she received following that incident in an op-ed.
Wilkinson shared that serving Sanders felt impossible due to her actions related to their government, which violated their personal values. The polarization around Sanders and her administration has sparked heated discussions regarding public figures and their interactions in private settings.
As the situation evolves, it remains to be seen how these incidents will influence Governor Sanders’ public appearances and interactions in local establishments.
