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2mo ago

Kroger Removes Poorly Decorated Juneteenth Cakes After Viral TikTok

The supermarket chain pulled the cakes following a viral video that drew criticism for tone-deaf decorations.

A customer walks into a Kroger grocery store in Houston, Texas on September 9, 2022. A Juneteenth flag flies in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 2024.
An alleged Kroger employee commented on Reddit, acknowledging the design flaws while expressing mixed feelings about the criticism directed at the staff. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo

Overview

  • A June 17 TikTok by @blaq.monalisa captured cookie cakes in an Atlanta Kroger labeled with off-center icing phrases like “Free @ Last” and “June 19 Free.”
  • After the video surpassed 10 million views, Kroger said the items failed to meet its quality guidance and removed them by June 20.
  • In a statement, Kroger confirmed it addressed the bakery teams involved and personally contacted the customer who posted the original clip.
  • Some social media users and an alleged Kroger employee on Reddit defended staffers as overworked and underpaid, citing last-minute demands on supermarket bakeries.
  • Commenters recalled Walmart’s 2022 Juneteenth ice cream backlash and said the incident underscores the importance of corporate cultural sensitivity.