Middletown Starbucks customer finds ‘racist’s fav drink’ on cup after ordering Charlie Kirk drink; Kroger employee fired
Autumn Perkins of Middletown, Ohio, received a Starbucks cup labeled “racist’s fav drink” after ordering a mint majesty with two honeys — a beverage linked in reports to conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. Kroger investigated and fired the employee who wrote the message.
- Customer: Autumn Perkins of Middletown, Ohio received the cup with the message (Source: Local12 report).
- Outcome: Kroger confirmed the employee admitted writing the message and was terminated (Source: Local12 report).
- Company responses: Starbucks and Kroger condemned the message and emphasized the Kroger-licensed location is operated by Kroger (Sources: Local12 report; Fox News report).
What happened at the Kroger Starbucks kiosk
Where: A Starbucks kiosk located inside a Kroger grocery store in Middletown, Ohio.
Order details: Perkins ordered a mint majesty with two honeys — an order that has circulated online as Charlie Kirk’s preferred Starbucks beverage. When she received her drink, the cup carried the handwritten phrase “racist’s fav drink.”
Perkins reported the message to the store manager. The manager investigated, and Kroger says the employee admitted to writing the phrase and was subsequently fired. The incident and personnel action were reported by local and national outlets (see Local12 report; Fox News report).
Company responses and policy reminders
Starbucks called the message unacceptable and reiterated company policies that forbid negative messages that undermine a welcoming environment. Starbucks also noted the store is licensed and operated by Kroger.
Kroger confirmed the worker admitted writing the message and said the behavior did not reflect the company’s values; Kroger terminated the employee after a store investigation. Both companies emphasized a commitment to keeping customers welcome in their stores (Sources: Local12 report; Fox News report).
Customer reaction and local response
Perkins’ response: She called the message “nonsense” and said she supported Kroger’s decision to fire the employee. Perkins told reporters:
“It’s time for people to stop this nonsense. Actions have repercussions.”
Perkins also said she and her family plan to stop shopping at Starbucks and encouraged others to consider doing the same, stressing that respect and communication should matter even amid political disagreement (Source: Local12 report).
How the story spread and why it gained attention
Local reporting prompted national pickup. Conservative outlets highlighted the tie to Charlie Kirk, a polarizing national commentator, which amplified discussion online. Coverage has focused on the personnel action and company statements; no legal action has been reported (Sources: Fox News report; Ground News aggregation).
Why the kiosk setting matters
The Starbucks where the incident occurred is licensed and operated by Kroger. That licensing distinction determines which employer is responsible for staffing, training and disciplinary actions. Starbucks’ public note and Kroger’s confirmation of the firing clarified where accountability lay in this case (Source: Local12 report).
Context on workplace conduct and customer service
Retail and quick-service employers typically forbid staff from placing harassing or political messages on customer items. When associates label customer orders with insults or political tags, companies often view that as a breach of conduct. Kroger’s swift termination demonstrates that personnel policies are enforced in these settings (Sources: Local12 report; Fox News report).
No legal action reported so far
As of published reports, there are no lawsuits, criminal charges, or other legal steps tied to the cup message. Coverage has concentrated on the internal personnel response and public statements by the companies involved (Sources: Local12 report; Ground News aggregation).
Implications for The Inland Empire
Economic impact: Incidents like this can spark local boycotts or social-media campaigns that affect foot traffic at specific stores. Retailers and kiosks in the Inland Empire should monitor customer sentiment and be prepared to respond to reputational risks.
Political consequences: In a politically mixed region, events tied to national figures can quickly become flashpoints; local leaders may face pressure to respond if similar incidents occur.
Social and cultural effects: Labeling customers with derogatory or political tags can erode trust and deepen community divides. Employers should reinforce respectful service to preserve community cohesion.
Practical applications for businesses and customers
- Ensure staff understand conduct policies, especially in licensed/franchise settings where accountability can be split.
- Provide clear signage and a straightforward complaint process to defuse tensions.
- Customers should verify whether a location is corporate-owned or licensed to direct complaints appropriately.
What local leaders and employers can do
Managers should reinforce policies that forbid derogatory or political messages on customer items. Quick investigations and transparent follow-up — as Kroger performed — can limit community backlash. Local chambers and business associations may offer refresher training on customer service and de-escalation.
Reporting notes and source attribution
This account is based on reporting from Local12, Fox News and aggregated coverage via Ground News. Local12 first reported Perkins’ account and Kroger’s response; Fox News and Noticias Fox also published the story; Ground News aggregated national coverage.
