Middletown Starbucks Customer Finds “racist’s fav drink” Scrawled on Cup; Kroger Fires Employee
A Kroger-operated Starbucks in Middletown, Ohio, fired an employee after a customer found “racist’s fav drink” written on a Mint Majesty with two honeys — a drink associated with commentator Charlie Kirk — on Sept. 21, 2025.
- Immediate termination: Kroger confirmed the associate was fired after admitting responsibility.
- Message on cup: The cup was marked “racist’s fav drink” when Autumn Perkins received her order.
- Company responses: Starbucks and Kroger condemned the behavior and cited policies that bar negative messages.
- Local implications: The episode offers lessons for businesses in the High Desert about training, reporting and neutral customer service.
What happened
Autumn Perkins ordered a Mint Majesty with two honeys at the Kroger-run Starbucks inside a Middletown, Ohio store. When she received the cup she noticed the phrase “racist’s fav drink” scrawled on it.
Perkins immediately spoke to the store manager, who informed her the employee had admitted writing the note and was later terminated by Kroger. Local reporting describes the termination as swift and a direct enforcement of customer-facing policies.
Perkins: “It’s time for people to stop this nonsense,” and later, “Actions have repercussions.”
Company responses and policies
Starbucks emphasized a long-standing aim to keep stores welcoming and said, “Writing this on a cup is unacceptable, and we have clear policies that prohibit negative messages to help preserve a welcoming environment.” Starbucks also clarified the Middletown location is licensed and operated by Kroger.
Kroger confirmed the associate was terminated, calling the behavior “inconsistent with the company’s values” and saying the response was appropriate for a public-facing employee who violated policy.
Customer reaction and public response
Perkins told Fox News Digital she was “shocked” and agreed with the firing, urging people to be respectful when they disagree.
Online reaction largely supported Kroger’s decision. Commenters noted that customer-facing workers are expected to remain professional regardless of personal views. The incident drew attention because the ordered drink has become associated with conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.
Broader context: politics in the service line
This episode illustrates tensions in retail and food service where employees may use visible notes, stickers or social-media posts to express political or personal opinions. Companies say that undermines a welcoming environment and can harm business. Licensed or franchised arrangements — like a grocery operating a Starbucks — can complicate policy enforcement and public messaging.
Takeaway: Swift action by franchise or licensees, as Kroger demonstrated, aims to draw a clear line and avoid broader backlash.
Implications for The High Desert, California
Economic impact: A scandal at a national chain can ripple to local businesses. High Desert shoppers often choose convenience and familiarity; incidents like this can prompt customers to shift where they spend, at least temporarily.
Political consequences: The High Desert leans conservative in many communities. A story involving a drink associated with a conservative commentator and a message calling it a “racist’s fav drink” could inflame partisan feelings and pressure local officials to comment if similar events happen.
Social effects: Residents value respect and community stability. Perkins’ call for mutual respect resonates locally; employers should reinforce policies that separate employee politics from customer service.
Cultural relevance: In small-town and High Desert communities, public-facing roles are tied to trust and neighborliness. Businesses that maintain a neutral, welcoming atmosphere are likelier to retain patrons across political lines.
Practical applications for local businesses and customers
- Train employees: Ensure staff know that writing negative messages on customer items violates company policy and local standards.
- Clear reporting channels: Make it easy for customers to report misconduct to managers and corporate partners; fast, transparent responses calm the community.
- Review licensing arrangements: Local operators should confirm who controls customer-facing policies when a national brand is licensed in a grocery or convenience store.
- Community messaging: Civic groups and chambers of commerce can promote respectful discourse and customer service standards.
Sources and reporting
This account draws on local and national reporting. See coverage from Local12 Cincinnati, Fox News Digital, Meaww, AOL, and aggregated coverage on Ground News.
Preserved URLs and original reporting referenced above for verification and follow-up.
