Cincinnati Barbecue Restaurant Faces Major Backlash Over Controversial Social Media Post from Co-Owner

Cincinnati Barbecue Restaurant Faces Major Backlash Over Controversial Social Media Post from Co-Owner

A popular barbecue restaurant in Cincinnati is under fire after a co-owner made an inflammatory comment about conservative figure Charlie Kirk. Charlie Kirk, known for his activism and commentary, was the subject of Aaron Sharpe’s social media post following an assassination attempt that occurred while Kirk was speaking at an event in Utah.

Sharpe’s Controversial Remarks

Following the shooting of Kirk, who is married and has two children, Aaron Sharpe took to Facebook to express his views. His post, which later gained attention for its hostility, included remarks that have since been widely criticized.

Sharpe wrote, “Good riddance. What a piece of s–t,” in response to a post offering prayers for Kirk’s family. Although this post has been deleted, screenshots circulating online have sparked outrage across various social media platforms.

Defiance in the Face of Criticism

Despite the backlash, Sharpe chose to double down on his statement shortly after. He addressed critics on Facebook, stating, “Don’t you dare come at me with your hypocrisy. If you think that threats of social media attacks on me or my business will in any way keep me silent about what I believe, you are sorely mistaken.” This declaration only intensified the debate over his comments and raised questions about the restaurant’s values.

Fallout from the Incident

The consequences of Sharpe’s statements were immediate and severe. Multiple business partners of Lucius Q, a restaurant co-owned by Sharpe, publicly severed ties with the establishment. The impact of his comments extended to Cincinnati’s TQL Stadium, which announced it had ended its relationship with Lucius Q, stating that they expected all their partners to uphold respect and tolerance, values central to their organization’s identity.

Lucius Q’s Response

As the controversy escalated, Lucius Q management stated they were taking the matter seriously. Following an internal review, the restaurant confirmed that Sharpe was no longer associated with their operations. In a statement posted on social media, the restaurant announced, “We found the comments he made on his personal social media pages offensive and, as a result, have severed ties with him.” These actions demonstrate the restaurant’s attempt to distance itself from the fallout.

Meat Supplier Cuts Ties

Moreover, Avril Bleh Meat Market, a long-time supplier for Lucius Q, also ended its partnership with the restaurant. This family-owned business expressed their stance on social media, stating, “We never condone violence of any sort. For this reason, we have decided to sever our relationship with Lucius Q BBQ.” Steve Bleh, a member of the family business, emphasized their disapproval, affirming, “No amount of money will ever be worth it.”

Community Response

The public reaction has been overwhelmingly negative towards Sharpe, with thousands voicing their discontent through various social media platforms and leaving unfavorable reviews for Lucius Q. Critics pointed out the challenges of swiftly removing a minority owner from a business, with many claiming that the damage had already been done.

On the other hand, Lucius Q management reassured patrons that they had successfully removed Sharpe from their operations. They stated that while the technicalities of ousting a minority partner can be complex, this was a necessary step considering the situation. Their message aimed to clarify that Sharpe’s views do not represent the values of their team or stakeholders.

Apologies and Forward Steps

In their public statement, Lucius Q issued an apology to Kirk’s family and the community. They made it clear that Sharpe’s comments do not reflect the sentiments of the current owners, investors, and staff. The restaurant emphasized, “As husbands, fathers, wives, and mothers ourselves, we’d like to personally apologize to the family of Charlie Kirk. We take our commitment to the city of Cincinnati seriously and look forward to earning back its business.” This statement reflects a strong desire to rebuild trust with their customer base.

A Glimpse into the Business

While Sharpe was labeled a minority owner by the restaurant, it is worth noting that he co-founded Lucius Q after exploring new business opportunities while working in radio. The restaurant quickly gained fame, even featuring in a popular episode of the Food Network show, Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, solidifying its status in the culinary world.

Before the controversy, Lucius Q had established itself as a mainstay in the Cincinnati area, specializing in barbecue. Sharpe’s abrupt departure, following his controversial remarks, has left both customers and partners reconsidering their associations with the restaurant.

The Broader Impact

As the community processes the implications of Sharpe’s comments, this incident raises broader questions about accountability and values in business partnerships. The situation also highlights the potential repercussions of personal expression on social media for businesses and individuals alike.

Looking Ahead

Through the backlash and internal changes, Lucius Q aims to reaffirm its commitment to the values of community cohesion and mutual respect. The restaurant’s future actions in response to this controversy will be crucial in determining its legacy in Cincinnati. As customers and partners observe how the restaurant evolves post-incident, Lucius Q’s ability to navigate these challenges will undoubtedly shape its trajectory moving forward.