Smoothie King fires two workers at Ann Arbor franchise after refusing service to man in Trump sweatshirt; company calls it discrimination
ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Two employees at a Smoothie King franchise in Ann Arbor were fired after refusing service to a couple because the man wore a Donald Trump sweatshirt; the company called the act discriminatory after an investigation.
Key takeaways
- Employees dismissed: The franchise owner removed two workers after a viral video showed them refusing service over a customer’s Trump sweatshirt; Smoothie King said it investigated and called the conduct discriminatory — Fox News.
- Customers involved: The couple, Erika and Jake Lindemyer, said they were simply ordering when staff told them they were uncomfortable serving the man because of his apparel — Fox News.
- Corrective steps: Smoothie King said the franchise owner apologized to the customers and will require retraining on guest experience and inclusivity — Fox News.
What happened at the Ann Arbor store
Video of the encounter, which circulated online, captures Erika and Jake Lindemyer at the counter of a franchised Smoothie King in Ann Arbor on Sunday. One employee tells them she feels uncomfortable serving the man because of his sweatshirt bearing former President Donald Trump’s name.
“We were just wanting a smoothie, and you literally looked at us and I asked you if everything was OK and you said, ‘We don’t feel comfortable serving you because of my husband’s hoodie. That is discrimination,’” the footage records Erika saying.
The exchange escalates when a second employee defends her co-worker, stating, “Trump discriminates against us,” and directing the couple to leave: “Have a great day. The door’s right there.” Erika responds, “That has nothing to do with us wanting a smoothie!” The encounter and subsequent reporting were summarized by Fox News.
Customers’ and employee statements
Erika Lindemyer posted about the incident on Facebook, writing: “I’m disgusted as a AMERICAN CITIZEN! I loved Smoothie King and was refused service over my husbands sweatshirt!!!! Talk about DISCRIMINATION!!!!” She urged followers to share the video and called attention to the episode online — reported by Fox News.
One employee identified in reporting as Janiyah Mishelle posted her side on TikTok and told Fox News Digital she “merely refused service because of the alleged affiliations the Trump administration has to [pedophiles]… In my opinion, in this specific instance, I had the right to refuse service due to discomfort.” She said the views expressed were personal and thanked supporters amid online harassment.
A GoFundMe reportedly set up to support an employee amid online backlash was later taken down. Fox News Digital reported it sought comment from Jake Lindemyer but had not received a response — Fox News.
Smoothie King’s response and corrective measures
Smoothie King posted on X and told Fox News it had investigated the clip and that the franchise owner “has taken immediate action.” The company emphasized it is “committed to ensuring our stores are a place free of discrimination of any kind, where every guest and team member is treated with care and respect.”
According to reporting, the franchise owner reached out multiple times to apologize to the Lindemyers. Smoothie King said the franchise will require retraining for all employees on guest experience standards and will emphasize inclusivity regardless of “race, gender, religion and political affiliation” — the company’s statement was reported by Fox News.
Legal and policy context
The episode raises questions about where employee discretion ends and unlawful discrimination begins. Federal anti-discrimination laws protect categories such as race, religion, sex and national origin; political affiliation is not a federally protected class, though some states and localities offer specific protections. Employers and franchise agreements typically require staff to follow guest-service standards — Smoothie King’s action reflects a franchise owner enforcing brand policies and limiting reputational risk, according to reporting summarized from Fox News.
How the episode fits into a national pattern
Incidents like this have become more visible as political polarization follows customers into stores and online platforms. National brands often respond swiftly to viral videos to limit damage and reassure customers of fair treatment. For franchise owners, choices range from disciplining staff to defending employees who act on personal beliefs — each path carries potential effects on sales, staffing and customer trust, as noted in reporting by Fox News.
Implications for United States
Economic impact: National brands face immediate reputational risk when local incidents go viral; franchise traffic can fall if customers fear being refused service for political expression. The swift firing aims to limit long-term brand damage — per the company statement reported by Fox News.
Political consequences: Supporters of former President Trump may cite incidents like this to argue for clearer protections for political expression; businesses face pressure to create consistent policies that align staff conduct with company values.
Social effects: Viral confrontations can deepen social tensions and change how people present political identity in public. The episode also underscores harassment risks for employees and customers, illustrated by the reported removal of a GoFundMe after the incident — coverage by Fox News.
Cultural relevance: The case shows how political identity can become part of everyday interactions. Smoothie King’s stated policy of inclusivity regardless of “political affiliation” signals national brands increasingly treating customer political expression as protected at point of sale.
Practical applications for residents and businesses
- Customers should be aware reactions to political apparel can vary by location and personnel; viral incidents can influence behavior.
- Companies and franchise owners should clarify policies and train staff on de-escalation and nondiscrimination without denying service.
- Employees must understand personal views expressed on the job can carry consequences, including termination; policymakers may consider whether state or local protections are needed to clarify rights around political expression in public accommodations.
Reporting and sources
This article is based on reporting by Fox News Digital and statements captured in the viral video of the encounter. For original reporting and the full account see Fox News.
