Reliable TQL stadium cuts ties with local restaurant after comments on charlie kirk’s death. TQL stadiums disaffiliate with Cincinnati based Lucius Q BBQ after an inflammatory post on a social media account by a co-owner. Know the effect of the move on the future and reputation of the restaurant.
What happened
- The stadium has cut off Lucius Q BBQ, a Cincinnati restaurant that operated as a vendor at TQL Stadium (home of FC Cincinnati).
- The relocation was following the social media reaction to the social media posts by one of its co-owners, Aaron Sharpe, in response to the shooting of a conservative activist, Charlie Kirk.
- Sharpe is quoted saying Good riddance! What a shillingpence—. to a report of the death of Kirk.
Responses and outcomes
- TQL Stadium indicated that it believes their vendors and partners will follow the values of respect and tolerance. TQL ended its relationship with Lucius Q because of the remarks made by Sharpe.
- Lucius Q BBQ reacted by saying that Sharpe has nothing to do with the restaurant anymore. They termed his remarks to be unacceptable and indicated that the business denounces violence.
- Another place, Factory 52 (where there is also a Lucius Q location) claimed that it does not tolerate hateful or threatening statements and is considering legal action.
What people are saying
- Backlash and condemnation
The remarks of Aaron Sharpe, which are depicted as unacceptable and inflammatory by many people including fans, local media, and other businesses, are under scrutiny by many in the public. The fact that he responded in apparently celebratory mode to the death of a prominent individual has provoked fury.
- Support and defense
Some are also defending free speech or saying that the remarks were said in the personal context (personal chat or personal social media) and that Sharpe is no longer a part of the business. There are those who believe that Lucius Q did the right thing of severing ties.
- Fear of precedent and values.
Much of the discussion is what vendors and publicly facing businesses should do to fulfill their duty to uphold values of respect and non-violence. It is being said that stadiums, event venues, and brands should be responsible of what their partners are doing even when doing the same in their personal capacity since association is a reflection of the brand.
- Doubting the adequacy of the cutting of ties.
Others are asking themselves whether cutting the business relationship with Sharpe can be enough to clean up the mess or the after effects will persist. It is doubtful that the level of trust can be restored.
Possible long term consequences of Lucius Q.
- Reputation damage
The loss of a contract in a high profile venue such as TQL stadium will be an instant negative publicity. Customers who equate Lucius Q to the highly-publicized words (although the restaurant claims Sharpe has no longer been involved with the restaurant) might not trust or be willing to spend the money. This can ultimately decrease the number of customers particularly those that value social and political conduct of business owners.
- Business/contract losses
The TQL Stadium association is lost. Other partners (such as Factory 52) are also alienating themselves. This implies diminished revenue streams, reduced locations and less high-visibility opportunities. The demise of a single big venue or event may have ripple effects on Lucius Q when he relies heavily on the contracts with them.
- The damage control cost of operations.
It will require them to carry out PR efforts, possibly outsource it, circulate a message, possibly adopt new rules regarding affiliation, social media behavior etc. Those add up. They might also have to deal with legal or contractual consequences based on agreements with partners who had some kind of expectations of vendors.
- Chance to re-set or rebrand.
Lucius Q, on the other hand, has moved (cutting off Sharpe) to seek to distance him, and this could afford him some damage control. When executed properly, it may become a pivot point: reinforcing or defining corporate values, establishing more rigorous supervision or open communication plans. In case they are able to demonstrate the actual change, there is a chance of regaining some of the trust.
- Long-term financial impact
The cost might be high depending on the importance of the lost vendor contracts to their income. In the case of a large contract in the stadium, the loss of that revenue would translate to lay-offs, reduction in operations, increased per-unit costs in other areas. Further, when fewer individuals come out due to the perception of the people, it reduces business in general.
- Potential for polarization
There are customers who may agree with the move to cut off relations and may be ready to patronize more to show their support; others may consider the whole business to be contaminated with the connection or perceive the move as being over-reactive. This, in other instances, polarizes the customer base resulting in loss as well as gain, depending on area and demographics.
- Risk of further scrutiny
The incident can result in a greater focus on other business operations or the statements of other partners to the public. Any wrong move could be exaggerated. Lucius Q will have to be content to be under a microscope a little.
Conclusion
The scandal involving TQL Stadium and Lucius Q can be used to illustrate that the perception of the business flips fast once business partners are associated with some controversial statements. Although Lucius Q has taken steps to part ways with its previous co-owner, the restaurant will have an uphill task in regaining its reputation, reconstructing its trust, and stabilizing its business relationships. Its long-term effect will be determined by its capacity to handle transparency, rebranding and customer engagement in the coming months.
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