CINCINNATI — A popular barbecue restaurant in downtown Cincinnati is facing a growing backlash after one of its co-owners shared a Facebook post about conservative commentator Charlie Kirk that many customers and community members have labeled “offensive” and “divisive.”
The controversy has sparked heated debate on social media, prompted calls for boycotts, and left the restaurant scrambling to contain the fallout.
The Post That Sparked Outrage
The uproar began earlier this week when co-owner Mark Reynolds posted a lengthy message on his personal Facebook page referencing Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, who recently passed away. In his post, Reynolds praised Kirk’s legacy but also used language that critics say demeaned immigrants and marginalized communities.
Screenshots of the post quickly spread across Twitter and local Facebook groups, with many calling the remarks “racist,” “tone-deaf,” and “offensive to Cincinnati’s diverse population.”
One user wrote, “This is not about politics — it’s about respect. When a local business owner openly disparages entire communities, it makes customers question where their money is going.”
Community Backlash
Within hours, the restaurant’s Google reviews page was flooded with negative ratings, with some longtime patrons vowing never to return. Local activists also began organizing a protest outside the restaurant for this weekend, demanding accountability from the ownership team.
“This isn’t just about one Facebook post,” said Jasmine Lopez, a community organizer with Cincinnati for Equality. “It’s about whether businesses in our city will respect all of their customers, regardless of background or beliefs.”
Response From the Restaurant
In response to the growing criticism, the restaurant’s management released a statement on Wednesday afternoon attempting to distance the business from Reynolds’ comments.
“The personal social media posts of individual co-owners do not reflect the values of our restaurant,” the statement read. “We are committed to serving all members of the Cincinnati community with respect and inclusivity.”
Reynolds himself later issued a partial apology, acknowledging that his words had “caused offense” but stopping short of retracting his views on Kirk. “I regret the way my comments were received,” he said, “but I will not apologize for honoring a man I respected.”
Political and Cultural Crossroads
The controversy comes at a time when political polarization in the United States is increasingly spilling into everyday spaces like restaurants, sports venues, and entertainment. Incidents like this highlight the delicate balance local businesses must strike between individual free speech and maintaining an inclusive environment for customers.
Branding experts say that for small businesses, the stakes are especially high. “When controversy hits, customers often vote with their wallets,” said Dr. Helen Morris, a professor of marketing at the University of Cincinnati. “Rebuilding trust after a misstep like this can take years — and in some cases, businesses never recover.”
Calls for Dialogue
While some residents are demanding boycotts, others are urging for dialogue rather than division. “We have to find a way to talk through these issues instead of just canceling people,” said Marcus Hill, a Cincinnati pastor. “That doesn’t mean excusing offensive comments, but it does mean recognizing that our city is stronger when we address problems together.”
The situation remains tense as organizers confirm that demonstrations outside the restaurant are expected to continue through the weekend.
What’s Next for the BBQ Joint?
It remains unclear how the controversy will affect the restaurant’s long-term future. Some local businesses have cut ties with the establishment, pulling out of catering contracts, while others say they are waiting to see whether the restaurant can rebuild community trust.
For now, one thing is certain: in a city known for its rich food culture and vibrant diversity, a Facebook post has placed one of Cincinnati’s most popular BBQ joints at the center of a national conversation about politics, free speech, and accountability.
