Overview

• Kroger confirmed it terminated an employee who admitted writing “racist’s fav drink” on a customer’s cup at a Starbucks inside a Middletown, Ohio, Kroger store.
• Starbucks called the incident unacceptable and reiterated that store policies ban offensive or political phrases to preserve a welcoming environment.
• The Middletown café is a licensed location operated by Kroger, which conducted the investigation and handled the disciplinary action.
• In a separate Chicago case, Starbucks said time-stamped footage showed a “loser :)” note was not written by baristas and appeared after the drink left the shop.
• Starbucks noted the markers used on cups are widely accessible, which can allow messages to be added after pickup as online attention to tribute orders continues.