Arkansas Governor Says She Was Asked to Leave Little Rock Restaurant

Sanders criticized the incident, saying Arkansans are known for their warm hospitality.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 8:20pm

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Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders said she was asked to leave a Little Rock restaurant after the owner told her security detail that her presence made employees feel 'threatened and uncomfortable.' The governor's office said the group began to leave, and that a man standing with staff members yelled at them and made a crude hand gesture in Sanders' direction.

Why it matters

This incident highlights ongoing tensions between political figures and businesses, where owners may feel compelled to refuse service to those with opposing views. It raises questions about the role of public officials in private establishments and the balance between personal beliefs and professional conduct.

The details

According to the statement, Sanders was having lunch at The Croissanterie with two others while accompanied by members of the Arkansas State Police Executive Protection Detail. The group had been seated for about an hour and 15 minutes and had already paid and tipped staff when the restaurant's owner approached a member of the security detail and asked that Sanders leave, citing concerns from employees related to Sanders' political views.

  • On Friday, March 15, 2026, Sanders was having lunch at The Croissanterie.

The players

Sarah Huckabee Sanders

The governor of Arkansas.

The Croissanterie

A restaurant in Little Rock, Arkansas.

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What they’re 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.”

— Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Governor of Arkansas

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of balancing political beliefs and professional conduct in public spaces, as well as the need for businesses to foster inclusive environments that respect diverse viewpoints.