An Ohio woman’s visit to a Starbucks inside a Kroger store took an unexpected turn when she discovered a derogatory message written on her drink order. The incident quickly escalated after the customer, Autumn Perkins, shared her disappointment, and the employee responsible was dismissed by the store operator.

Unexpected Message on Coffee Order

Autumn Perkins visited a Starbucks location in Ohio and ordered a beverage she described as Charlie Kirk’s preferred drink. When she received her cup, however, she noticed an offensive phrase written across it. The words “racist’s fav drink” were scrawled on the label, leaving her stunned and upset by what she considered an unnecessary and disrespectful act.

Customer Reaction to the Incident

Perkins expressed her dismay at being targeted in such a way during what should have been a routine coffee run. She explained that the note felt like a personal attack and said it had ruined her experience with the brand. Following the incident, she made clear that she would no longer be supporting Starbucks, citing the disrespectful treatment as the reason for her decision.

Employer Responds with Immediate Action

The Starbucks location where the event occurred is operated under license by Kroger. Once management became aware of what had happened, they acted swiftly to address it. The employee who wrote the message was promptly terminated from their position. This response underscored Kroger’s effort to distance itself from behavior that could be seen as discriminatory or unprofessional within its stores.

Starbucks and Licensed Store Operations

Many Starbucks locations are run not directly by the company but through licensing agreements with other businesses such as grocery chains and retail outlets. In this case, Kroger was responsible for overseeing staff at the store where Perkins placed her order. While Starbucks has not been reported to have issued its own statement on this particular matter, licensed operators are expected to uphold company standards of service and conduct at all times.

The Broader Impact of Customer Service Missteps

Incidents like this highlight how quickly negative experiences can spread beyond individual customers and affect brand reputation more widely. For Perkins, what began as a simple coffee purchase turned into a lasting impression that led her to sever ties with Starbucks altogether. For businesses operating under well-known brands, maintaining professionalism in every customer interaction is crucial to preserving trust and loyalty among patrons.

In summary, Autumn Perkins’ experience at an Ohio Starbucks ended with shock and disappointment after receiving a cup marked with an offensive note referencing Charlie Kirk’s drink order. Kroger responded by firing the employee responsible, but for Perkins, the damage was already done—she vowed not to return as a customer. The episode serves as another reminder of how individual actions by employees can carry significant consequences for both customers and companies alike.