Little Rock Restaurant Responds After Governor Sanders Says She Was Asked to Leave

The Croissanterie owners provide additional details about the encounter with the Arkansas governor.

Mar. 20, 2026 at 6:20pm

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The owners of a Little Rock restaurant, The Croissanterie, have responded after Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders said she was asked to leave the establishment during a recent visit. The restaurant's statement provides more context about the incident, clarifying that there was no disruption and that the request to conclude the governor's visit was in line with their standard 90-minute table policy.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the potential tensions that can arise when high-profile political figures visit local businesses, particularly around issues of hospitality, customer comfort, and the role of security details. The restaurant's response aims to provide a more balanced account of the events and address any misconceptions.

The details

According to the governor's office, Sanders was dining at The Croissanterie with two others and her Arkansas State Police Executive Protection Detail when the restaurant's owner approached the security detail and said her presence made employees feel 'threatened and uncomfortable.' The group had been seated for about an hour and 15 minutes and had already paid and tipped staff when they were asked to leave. The restaurant's owners, however, stated that the party was served without interruption, but as the security presence became more visible, some employees and guests expressed discomfort. After the party completed their meal, a member of the security detail was quietly asked to help conclude the visit in line with the restaurant's standard 90-minute table policy.

  • On March 15, 2026, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders visited The Croissanterie in Little Rock, Arkansas.
  • On March 16, 2026, Governor Sanders publicly criticized the incident, saying the restaurant did not reflect Arkansas' reputation for hospitality.
  • On March 17, 2026, the owners of The Croissanterie released a statement providing additional details about the encounter.

The players

Sarah Huckabee Sanders

The current governor of Arkansas and a former White House press secretary under President Trump.

The Croissanterie

A restaurant located in Little Rock, Arkansas that was the site of the incident involving Governor Sanders.

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What they’re saying

“When Governor Sanders arrived unannounced, staff served her and her party without interruption.”

— The Croissanterie, Restaurant owners

“As her security presence became more visible in the dining room, some employees and guests expressed discomfort. After the party completed their meal, a member of the security detail was quietly asked to help conclude the visit in line with our standard 90-minute table policy.”

— The Croissanterie, Restaurant owners

“Claims that an employee made an inappropriate gesture are incorrect—it was a customer, and the situation has been addressed.”

— The Croissanterie, Restaurant owners

What’s next

The restaurant has stated that the situation with the customer who made an inappropriate gesture has been addressed, but it is unclear if any further actions will be taken.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the delicate balance that businesses must strike when hosting high-profile political figures, needing to balance hospitality, customer comfort, and security concerns. The restaurant's response aims to provide a more nuanced account of the events and address any misconceptions, underscoring the importance of clear communication in these types of situations.