**Smoothie King Dumps Employees After Refusal to Serve Trump Supporter**
Key Takeaways:
- Smoothie King has fired two employees for refusing service to a customer wearing a Trump shirt.
- The incident was captured on video and garnered attention on social media, leading to a company investigation.
- Both Smoothie King and the franchise owner have reached out and apologized to the aggrieved guest.
Ann Arbor, Michigan — Smoothie King, the Texas-based smoothie chain, announced it has terminated two employees after they refused to serve a customer because of his pro-Trump attire. This incident gained considerable traction on social media, prompting the company’s response.
Instant Outrage Sparks Dismissals
The move comes after a video showing the encounter between the couple and a Smoothie King employee went viral, amassing more than 666,000 views by Monday night. The video, shared by groups with anti-liberal sentiments, underscored the employees’ refusal to serve a husband simply because he was sporting a Trump-themed sweatshirt. Following an investigation into this incident, Smoothie King decided to sever ties with the involved employees at its franchised branch in Michigan.
Serving Up Politics
Smoothie King is one of many businesses caught in the crossfire of increasingly polarized political sentiments among the American populace. The incident illustrates how personal political beliefs can bleed into the professional sphere, leading to confrontations and business sanctions. One of the internet platforms the dismissed employee used to protest her removal, however, closed her account; her GoFundMe page, aimed at raising money after claiming backlash and online harassment, was deactivated.
Firm Commitment to Inclusivity
Smoothie King, amidst the incident’s backlash, reaffirmed its commitment to being discrimination-free and ensuring guests and team members are treated with respect, irrespective of political affiliation. The franchised location owner is enforcing a mandatory retraining to all employees that delves into their “guest experience standards”. The Smoothie King case is a timely reminder to businesses on the importance of maintaining fields free of personal beliefs and biases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is Smoothie King trending?
A: Smoothie King is trending due to an incident where two employees refused service to a customer wearing a Trump shirt. The employees have since been fired.
Q: What happens next?
A: The franchise owner is taking further action by enforcing mandatory retraining for all employees that outlines guest experience standards, according to Smoothie King.
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