Staff Reports
A curious case of hospitality gone rogue has emerged from Capitol Hill that raises questions about political divisiveness—and also about job security. A waitress at Beuchert’s Saloon, a trendy spot known for its farm-to-table approach, found herself out of a job after deciding that the best way to express her politics was to condemn anyone in the incoming Trump administration by refusing them service.
This enterprising waitress, Suzannah Van Rooy, made headlines for her determination to foster a politically selective dining experience. Her comments surfaced in a Washingtonian article that examined how eateries were preparing for a new presidential team amid a politically polarized environment. While most contributors opted to keep mum, Van Rooy boldly put her name out there, positioning herself as a beacon of moral virtue in the restaurant realm.
DC waitress who threatened MAGA diners gets shitcanned.https://t.co/GlM8J75T0t pic.twitter.com/JsL6xSTg4w
— Tony Seruga (@TonySeruga) December 15, 2024
After Trump’s triumphant return to the political arena, Van Rooy proclaimed that the excitement surrounding the administration had dimmed and that people were feeling a sense of defeat. Nevertheless, she insisted that those with “moral convictions” should stand up to the incoming officials (let’s not forget, this is someone who had previously organized for Beto O’Rourke). In her view, serving someone she deemed a “sex trafficker” was simply off the table. One wonders if this could become the new litmus test for waitstaff nationwide.
Is this cancel culture?
DC waitress fired after claiming she would refuse to serve Trump admin officialshttps://t.co/tt8SoqDd0v
— Libby Emmons (@libbyemmons) December 15, 2024
However, just when she thought she could stir the pot of political sentiment at the Saloon, reality came crashing down faster than a collapsing soufflé. Following her clattering remarks, management promptly gave her the boot. The restaurant put out a statement via Instagram, claiming that her actions were not only “reprehensible” but also in stark violation of their nonexistent zero-tolerance policy for discrimination. It seems the restaurant didn’t want to be known as a place that turned patrons away based on their political affiliations—imagine that!
In a twist befitting a drama series, Beuchert’s Saloon also encouraged the public not to judge the hardworking team of over two dozen employees for one rogue server. Apparently, they wanted to reassure loyal patrons that they are still the charming establishment that has been a neighborhood staple for more than a decade. One can’t help but chuckle at the thought: a restaurant concerned about its reputation while its staff engages in political theatrics.
With her LinkedIn page reportedly scrubbed, Van Rooy’s history reveals a pretty curious background for someone whose mission is centered around discrimination. With her connections to political influencers and liason efforts for campaigns belonging to the left, Van Rooy was hardly just an innocent bystander in the political game. This raises the question: if she had been any good at her job, wouldn’t her political angst have stayed in her personal life? Instead, it seems she not only mixed politics with her profession but also ended up being served a generous helping of consequences.
