A routine lunch outing turned into a political flashpoint after Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders said she was asked to leave a Little Rock restaurant because her presence made staff uncomfortable.

Sanders said the incident occurred March 13 at The Croissanterie, where she had been dining with two other women while accompanied by her State Police security detail. According to the governor, the restaurant owner approached her security team and requested that she leave, citing concerns that employees felt “threatened” by her presence.

Her office said Sanders had already paid and tipped staff and had been seated for more than an hour when the request was made. She and her party ultimately complied and exited the restaurant. As they were leaving, Sanders said someone near the staff shouted at them and made a crude hand gesture.

In a public statement, Sanders framed the incident as an example of political intolerance. “Arkansans are known for their warm hospitality,” she said, adding that her administration would focus on “lifting Arkansans up, not tearing others down with discrimination and hate.”

The Croissanterie offered a more measured account, saying staff were initially unsure how to respond when the governor arrived. The restaurant said concerns grew as her security presence became more noticeable, prompting questions from employees and guests. Ultimately, ownership decided to ask Sanders to conclude her visit after she had finished dining, citing a desire to support staff who felt uncomfortable.

The restaurant disputed that anyone explicitly said they felt “threatened,” and said most diners were unaware of the situation. It also clarified that the person who made an inappropriate gesture toward Sanders was a customer, not an employee.

The incident echoes a similar moment in 2018, when Sanders — then serving as White House press secretary — was asked to leave a Virginia restaurant due to her political role.