Starbucks Customer Orders Charlie Kirk’s Usual Drink — What They Found on the Cup Sparked Outrage
An Ohio woman was left stunned after discovering a hateful message written on her Starbucks drink, which she ordered at a Kroger location in Middletown. The incident, which has drawn significant attention, highlights ongoing concerns about workplace conduct and the impact of personal biases in customer service.
The Incident
Autumn Perkins visited the Kroger grocery store on Sunday evening to order her favorite drink, a mint majesty tea with two honeys. However, when she received her order, she was taken aback to see the words “racist’s fav drink” scrawled on the side of the cup. Shocked and offended, Perkins felt compelled to address the issue directly with the store’s management.
Upon speaking with the manager, Perkins learned that the employee responsible for the message had admitted to writing it. The employee was subsequently terminated from their position. Perkins expressed her agreement with the decision, stating, “I would agree that people should be fired if they’re doing something like this. Actions have repercussions.”
A Call for Respectful Discourse
In her comments to Fox News Digital, Perkins emphasized the importance of mutual respect, even amidst disagreements. “I feel like Charlie stood for respect — we don’t have to agree on everything. We can disagree on a lot of things, but we respect each other,” she said. Perkins underscored that healthy communication and growth are only possible when individuals treat each other with dignity.
Corporate Responses
Starbucks quickly responded to the incident, condemning the employee’s actions. A spokesperson for the company stated, “Writing this on a cup is unacceptable, and we have clear policies that prohibit negative messages to help preserve a welcoming environment.” They clarified that the Starbucks location in question is licensed and operated by Kroger, and acknowledged that the associate who wrote the message had been terminated by the grocery chain.
Kroger also issued a statement confirming the termination of the employee, emphasizing that such behavior does not reflect the company’s values. “This behavior does not reflect Kroger’s values,” a representative said in an email to Fox News Digital.
Customer Reactions
In the wake of the incident, Perkins expressed her disappointment with Starbucks and her intention to boycott the brand. “I don’t intend to spend another penny at Starbucks — and as far as I’m concerned, neither will my children or anybody else in my family who will listen to me,” she declared. This sentiment reflects a growing trend among consumers who are increasingly vocal about their expectations for respectful service and corporate accountability.
Conclusion
The incident involving Autumn Perkins serves as a stark reminder of the impact that individual actions can have on customer experiences and brand reputations. As companies like Starbucks and Kroger navigate these challenges, the emphasis on fostering a respectful and inclusive environment remains paramount. The dialogue surrounding this incident highlights the broader societal need for understanding and civility, even in the face of differing opinions.
