Starbucks Employee Fired for Offensive Message on Customer’s Cup

A woman in Middletown, Ohio, has alleged that a Starbucks employee wrote an offensive message on her cup after she ordered a drink associated with conservative figure Charlie Kirk. The incident has drawn attention and criticism towards the company, prompting a swift response from both Starbucks and Kroger, the grocery chain that operates the location.

Autumn Perkins, 30, shared a photo on Facebook on September 21, 2023, displaying a drink she purchased at a Starbucks inside a Kroger store. She claimed that the barista inscribed “racists fav drink” on her cup after she ordered a “Mint Majesty” tea with two honeys, a beverage Kirk was known to favor. Perkins explained that she was participating in a trend among Kirk’s supporters following his tragic death, which occurred on September 10, 2023, at Utah Valley University.

Perkins expressed her dissatisfaction with the incident, stating, “The girl at Starbucks thought she was cute. I don’t even support Starbucks because of everything they stand for starting with their satanic logo, but I support Charlie Kirk so I thought you know what… I’ll get his drink.” She concluded her post by reaffirming her preference for local, Christian-owned coffee shops.

The incident has not only affected Perkins but has also sparked broader discussions about the treatment of customers and political discourse in retail settings. A spokesperson for Kroger confirmed that the employee responsible for the message was terminated, emphasizing that such behavior does not align with the company’s values. “Writing this on a cup is unacceptable,” a representative from Starbucks stated. “We have policies that prohibit negative messages to help preserve a welcoming environment.”

The Starbucks location involved is licensed by Kroger, which also manages the employees. This underscores the interconnected nature of the policies and training provided to staff at such establishments.

The backlash against Starbucks is not an isolated incident. The company faced scrutiny in the past when a Chicago store temporarily closed after a TikTok video claimed that a barista wrote “Loser” on a cup for a customer ordering Kirk’s drink. After reviewing store footage, Starbucks clarified that any negative messages were added after the drinks were handed to customers, reinforcing their stance on maintaining a positive atmosphere.

Additionally, another incident in California saw a barista refuse to write Kirk’s name on a drink, citing it as “political.” Starbucks reiterated its policy that while baristas may write names on cups, they are not permitted to include political messages, and employees have been instructed on these guidelines.

This incident in Middletown has reignited discussions about the intersection of politics and customer service, particularly in environments where personal beliefs may influence interactions. As public sentiment continues to evolve around such matters, the response from companies like Starbucks may play a pivotal role in shaping customer experiences and perceptions moving forward.