When Your Personal Views Go Up Against Your Business Goals

Business Goals

Business Goals

Today’s divisive political debates have created an atmosphere where everyone, including business owners, are increasingly forced to choose sides. Disagreements are intensified when discussing fundamental political values such as equality, environmental protection, immigration and even national security, further widening the political divide. These hostilities have threatened the bottom line of those companies who air their views on national issues. Naturally, the goal of any business is to make money. However, the possibility of jeopardizing profit margins should be taken into serious consideration before taking a stand on a polarizing issue. Sometimes, personal principles may not allow restaurant owners to take certain steps that could perhaps boost the profitability of their restaurants. Here’s how to deal with this dilemma:

Opinions and Personal Views

As with any debate, everyone is entitled to their personal views and opinions. However, when it comes to your business, restaurant owners should tread with caution in this highly divisive political climate. Make sure your personal ideology isn’t a roadblock for your business.

Let us use a recent event as an example. The Red Hen came under fire after the owner asked the White House Press Secretary, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, to leave their Lexington, VA restaurant. She was asked to leave because of her connection to President Trump and his ban on transgender people from the military.

Since the incident, the Red Hen has received threats against the business as well as death threats against the owner, Stephanie Wilkinson, forcing them to shut down for two weeks. This is a clear case of the business owner taking a stand to uphold their personal ideology despite their business goals. Would your restaurant survive being shut down for an extended period of time? While it is inappropriate to ask a restaurant patron to leave because of their political views, it is not against the law for business owners to ask a patron to leave their place of business.

Business Goals

Putting Your Customers First


Would you ask every single patron to declare their political affiliation at the front door? A quick survey of your customers may very well reveal that your best patrons hold opposing views. The best course of action for restaurant owners is to separate business from personal ideology and ease the political tension by designating your restaurant as a partisan free zone. Restaurant owners should create an atmosphere where patrons are welcomed to enjoy good food, socialize and enjoy the perfect dining experience.

Walking a Fine Line

Restaurants are traditionally accommodating and welcoming to everyone regardless of personal and political views. Restaurant owners must understand their employees are also an extension of their brand and their personal opinions could also affect the restaurant’s reputation. Employees should have strict guidelines in place to keep their political beliefs out of the workplace. It takes years of hard work and dedication to build a business, but only a few careless words can be detrimental to the restaurant business.

Bottom Line

Restaurant owners, or any business owner for that matter, walk a thin line when it comes to personal beliefs. Personal views should be kept separate from the business in favor of creating an inclusive dining atmosphere where all customers are welcomed.

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