An Arkansas restaurant has publicly defended its controversial decision to ask Republican Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders to leave its premises, following a surprise visit that placed the establishment in a difficult position. The owners of The Croissanterie in Little Rock detailed the challenging circumstances they faced when the governor arrived unexpectedly on March 13 with two other women and her Arkansas Police Executive Protection Detail.
Restaurant's Statement on the Incident
In a statement obtained by THV11, The Croissanterie owners explained they were caught between conflicting priorities. "Allowing her to stay risked being perceived as a lack of support for the community that makes up the majority of our team, as well as their families and friends. Conversely, asking her to leave could be viewed as denying service based on differing beliefs," they stated. The restaurant ultimately allowed Sanders to finish her meal before discreetly passing a message through her security detail to encourage her departure.
Governor Sanders' Response
Governor Sanders offered a different account in her Thursday statement, claiming restaurant owners told her that her presence "made their employees feel threatened." She later recalled to The Daily Wire that a group in the restaurant shouted "It's time to leave" and gave her the middle finger. "Arkansans are known for their warm hospitality, and while that restaurant didn't meet that standard, my administration will continue to focus on lifting Arkansans up, not tearing others down," wrote Sanders, who is the daughter of former Arkansas governor and current U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee.
Conflicting Accounts of the Events
The Croissanterie acknowledged that an individual "made an inappropriate hand gesture" but clarified this was a customer, not an employee, and that they addressed the matter promptly. They also denied suggestions that patrons applauded or disrupted Sanders during her visit. In their statement, the owners said they didn't recall "any statement indicating that anyone felt threatened." According to Sanders' office speaking to Fox News Digital, the governor had been seated for approximately an hour and fifteen minutes and had already paid when she was asked to leave.
Restaurant's Final Decision
The Croissanterie owners explained they chose to "encourage" Sanders to depart because they prioritized supporting "our employees and guests who expressed they were uncomfortable." They emphasized, "We regret being placed in this position and having to make a difficult decision. However, we stand by our choice to support our employees and guests." The restaurant passed an initial message to Sanders' security detail, then followed up with another reminder thirty minutes later, maintaining they handled the situation with discretion and respect for all parties involved.
