Illinois director for Conservative Caucus spreads fake story of anti-Kirk message on Starbucks cup, forcing closure of shop; video exonerates workers

In Norwood Park, Illinois, a social media post this week alleged that a Starbucks employee at the store on Northwest Highway wrote the word “Loser” on a drink ordered in honor of the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The claim triggered public backlash, complaints, and even a temporary closure of the store. 

The post was shared by Jacqueline Garretson, the Illinois state director for The Conservative Caucus, who said her mother‑in‑law ordered Charlie Kirk’s favorite beverage—Mint Majesty tea with two honeys—but when the cup arrived, it was labeled “Loser.” Garretson pressed followers to contact Starbucks and demanded accountability. Videos showing her and another man confronting store employees spread online, gaining tens of thousands of engagements. 

Starbucks responded by reviewing surveillance footage from that Norwood Park location. A company spokesperson said that there is no evidence any of its employees wrote “Loser” on the cup. Rather, they concluded that the message was likely added after the drink was given to the customer. 

The store was closed temporarily on the afternoon following the controversy, and then reopened the next day. Starbucks also issued a statement clarifying its policy: customers are allowed to request any name, including Charlie Kirk’s, when placing their order. The company reiterated that while they discourage political slogans or negative messages in place of names, the writing of names—political or otherwise—is permitted. 

In summary, the company denies that its staff wrote the insulting text, believes it was added after the handoff of the drink, and says its policies permit customers to use the names they want for their orders (so long as the request is simply a name, not a slogan or offensive message).

Source: Block Club Chicago