An Arkansas restaurant has defended its decision to ask Republican Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders to leave the restaurant, even as she accused the owner of forcing her to leave because the employee felt “threatened.”
The owners of The Croissanterie restaurant in Little Rock said they were in trouble when Sanders, two other women and an Arkansas State Police executive protective officer made a surprise visit on March 13.
“Allowing her to stay could be viewed as a lack of support for our community of team members and their families and friends. Conversely, asking her to leave could be viewed as a denial of service based on a different belief,” the Croissanterie boss said in a statement obtained by THV11.
Eventually, the restaurant owner allowed Sanders to finish her meal and then passed a message to one of her security personnel “encouraging the governor to end her visit.” They said they sent another message 30 minutes later to alert her.
But Sanders said in a statement Thursday that restaurant owners said her presence “made their employees feel threatened.” she later recalled daily telegraph A group of people in the restaurant yelled at her, “It’s time to leave,” and gave her the middle finger.
Little Rock restaurant owners say they waited until the governor finished her meal before asking her to leave (Getty Images)
“Arkansans are known for their hospitality, and while that restaurant did not live up to that standard, my administration will continue to focus on elevating Arkansans rather than disparaging others,” Sanders, the daughter of former Arkansas governor and current U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, wrote.
The Croissanterie admitted someone “made an inappropriate gesture” but said it was a customer, not a member of staff – and they have since addressed the issue. They also denied claims that patrons applauded or disrupted Sanders.
The owners said in a statement obtained by THV11 that they don’t recall “any statement indicating that anyone felt threatened.”
independent Comment was sought from Sanders’ office and The Croissanterie.
Sanders’ office told Fox News Digital that she sat at the restaurant for about an hour and 15 minutes and had paid when she was asked to leave.
Croissanterie bosses said they chose to “encourage” Sanders to leave because they made the decision “to support our staff and guests who expressed their discomfort.”
“We regret to be put in this position and have to make a difficult decision. However, we stand by our choice and support our employees and guests,” the owners said.
