On March 13, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders was asked to leave a local eatery, The Croissanterie, in Little Rock after her surprise visit reportedly caused discomfort among the staff and patrons.
This incident has led to a public dispute between the Governor’s office and the restaurant, with differing claims of “threatening” behavior and questions about professional boundaries.
The Confrontation at The Croissanterie
The incident began when Governor Sanders arrived unannounced at the restaurant with two guests and a security detail provided by the Arkansas Police Executive Protection Detail. According to the restaurant owners, the presence of Sanders’ party created a difficult situation, forcing them to choose between staying politically neutral and ensuring the comfort of their staff.
In a statement, the owners explained that allowing the Governor to stay could be seen as a lack of support for the community that makes up the majority of their team. On the other hand, they acknowledged that asking her to leave could be viewed as discrimination based on political beliefs.
Key Details of the Encounter:
- Duration: Sanders spent approximately 75 minutes at the restaurant before being asked to leave. She had already paid the bill when the request was made.
- The Request: The restaurant owners communicated their concerns through Sanders’ security detail, asking her to conclude her visit. A second reminder was issued 30 minutes later.
- The Atmosphere: According to Sanders, a group in the restaurant shouted, “It’s time to leave,” and directed offensive gestures at her.
Conflicting Accounts of Hostility
The fallout from this encounter has led to two starkly different narratives regarding the events inside the restaurant.
Governor’s Account:
Governor Sanders stated in a report to The Daily Wire that the restaurant owners told her that her presence was making employees feel “threatened.” She criticized the establishment for not adhering to the state’s standards of hospitality, emphasizing her administration’s goal of “lifting Arkansans up.” Sanders, the daughter of former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, framed the incident as a failure of the restaurant to maintain a welcoming environment.
The Restaurant’s Defense:
In contrast, the owners of The Croissanterie denied that anyone used the word “threatened” in the conversation. While they acknowledged that a customer, not an employee, made an “inappropriate hand gesture,” they maintained that the situation was handled internally.
The owners clarified that their decision to ask Sanders to leave was rooted in their desire to support employees and patrons who had expressed discomfort with the Governor’s presence.
A Polarizing Incident in a Divided Climate
This event underscores the ongoing tension between high-profile political figures and private businesses in a highly polarized environment. The Croissanterie owners emphasized that their priority was the well-being of their staff and the majority of the community they serve, rather than catering to a politically high-profile visitor.
As of Thursday evening, the Governor’s office maintained that the restaurant fell short of professional standards, while The Croissanterie stood by its decision to prioritize the comfort of its employees and guests.
