Middletown Starbucks: Employee Fired Over Hate Message

What happened: the drink, the message, the reaction

On the day of the incident, Perkins said she ordered a mint majesty with two honeys, a drink public figures and followers identify with conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. When she received the cup, she saw the handwritten phrase “racist’s fav drink”.

Perkins described the wording as a “disturbing hate message” and immediately brought it to the attention of the store manager.

Perkins said she confronted management and was told the employee admitted to writing the note. The employee was terminated at that time. Perkins expressed disappointment, saying, “It’s time for people to stop this nonsense,” and added that “actions have repercussions.” She said she would no longer patronize Starbucks and encouraged her family to do the same.

Company responses and policy context

Starbucks issued a statement calling the action “unacceptable” and reminded the public that its policies prohibit negative or hostile messages on cups and orders. The company also clarified the location involved operates under a license with Kroger, meaning day-to-day management and employment decisions fall to Kroger’s leadership rather than Starbucks corporate (Local 12).

Kroger confirmed the employee was fired and released its own statement saying the behavior “does not reflect Kroger’s values.” The grocery company said it would not tolerate hostile or discriminatory conduct by employees and reinforced its commitment to a respectful environment for customers and staff.

Media coverage and public debate

The story spread quickly beyond local outlets. National sites, including Fox News, reported the incident and highlighted the link between the ordered drink and Charlie Kirk. Other outlets summarized the sequence of events and the firing, noting the broader context of heated political discourse in public spaces (Meaww; AOL News).

Why the association with Charlie Kirk matters

The drink in question is widely known online and in conservative circles as an off-menu or signature choice associated with Charlie Kirk. That association likely shaped the employee’s handwritten message and how Perkins interpreted it. The episode points to a growing trend of political identities entering everyday consumer interactions, from restaurant orders to retail transactions.

Policy and workplace considerations

Retail and food-service employers maintain policies that bar hostile or derogatory behavior toward customers. Companies like Kroger and franchise partners that operate branded coffee counters typically include standards of conduct in employee manuals. When incidents occur, employers must weigh the facts: Was the message hostile, did it violate written policy, and what corrective action is appropriate? In this case, Kroger concluded termination was warranted after an employee admitted to writing the note.

Implications for Hesperia, California

Economic impact

Hesperia shoppers who see this story may reassess where they buy coffee and groceries. Local businesses that serve a broad customer base can be affected when brand-level controversies spur boycotts. If residents in Hesperia choose to avoid certain chains after similar incidents, independent coffee shops and local cafes could see increased patronage. Conversely, a sharp local boycott could hurt in-store sales for Kroger or licensed vendors that rely on foot traffic.

Political consequences

Hesperia has an active community of conservative voters and civic groups. An episode like this can become a talking point in local meetings, school boards, or political campaigns about free speech, business practices, and corporate accountability. Local officials and candidates may face pressure to voice support for respect in public settings while defending residents’ right to patronize businesses without political judgments.

Social effects

The incident underscores how national political divisions can play out in small daily interactions. For Hesperia residents, it could heighten concern about civility in public life and prompt calls for community conversations on respectful discourse. Local faith groups, civic organizations, and neighborhood associations might organize forums or outreach to bridge tensions and encourage respectful disagreement.

Cultural relevance

Many Hesperia families value community norms of mutual respect and tolerance for differing views. When businesses or employees appear to inject political judgments into service roles, it can clash with those expectations. Local cultural institutions, including churches and service clubs, often play a role in reinforcing standards for how residents treat one another in public.

Practical applications for residents

Hesperia consumers can protect themselves and set community standards by documenting incidents, speaking calmly to managers, and using corporate complaint channels when service crosses into hostility. Businesses should be reminded to train staff on neutral customer service and to enforce policies consistently. Local shoppers who feel strongly can also support independent businesses that emphasize community values and neutral service.

Ongoing questions and what to watch for

This episode ended with the employee’s firing and statements from Kroger and Starbucks. There is no public indication of additional investigation or legal action as of the latest reports. Observers and customers should watch for any follow-up from Kroger about new training or policy changes, statements from Starbucks about licensed store oversight, or broader community responses, including boycotts or local advocacy.

Sources

• Local 12: Middletown customer finds “racist’s fav drink” written on cup; employee fired
• Fox News: Customer orders Charlie Kirk’s Starbucks drink, finds disturbing hate message
• Meaww: Employee fired after Charlie Kirk’s go-to Starbucks order comes with hateful message
• AOL News: Customer orders Charlie Kirk Starbucks

Reporting by Times Media Service