Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders recently experienced a contentious lunch at a Little Rock restaurant, The Croissanterie. The governor and two other mothers were asked to leave by the establishment’s owner, a request that ignited a public discussion about hospitality and political viewpoints.
According to Governor Sanders, the owner approached her security detail, stating her presence was causing discomfort among staff. She and her companions had been seated for over an hour, had already paid their bill, and were preparing to depart when the request was made. The incident culminated in a dismissive gesture from an individual associated with the restaurant as they exited.
The Croissanterie acknowledged the situation, explaining their initial surprise at the governor’s arrival. They detailed a careful deliberation, weighing the potential consequences of both allowing her to remain and asking her to leave, ultimately prioritizing the comfort of their employees and patrons.
Restaurant management stated that concerns arose as the governor’s security detail became more visible, prompting questions from both staff and other diners. They emphasized that the decision wasn’t based on a perceived threat, but rather on a desire to create a welcoming environment for everyone.
The restaurant explained they initially attempted a discreet request for the governor to conclude her visit, sending a message to her security team that went unnoticed at first. After nearly thirty minutes, and as the group approached a table time limit, the request was reiterated.
Review of security footage confirmed the delayed delivery of the initial message, and the restaurant clarified that many diners were unaware of the unfolding situation. They also stated the individual who made the gesture was a customer, and the matter was addressed internally.
This incident echoes a similar experience from 2018, when Sanders, then White House Press Secretary, was asked to leave a Virginia restaurant due to her political affiliation. The owner of that establishment openly objected to her role in the Trump administration.
Sanders wasn’t alone in facing such treatment. In 2018, other prominent Republican figures, including Senator Mitch McConnell and Senator Ted Cruz, also encountered public protests and requests to leave dining establishments. These events sparked a national conversation about the boundaries of political expression and the right to public accommodation.
Governor Sanders expressed disappointment, noting that the incident contrasted sharply with the renowned hospitality of Arkansans. She affirmed her administration’s commitment to unity and lifting people up, rather than engaging in discrimination or animosity.
