Coffee Shop Responds to Criticism Over Dr. Oz Photo

A coffee shop in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, faced backlash after a photo with Dr. Mehmet Oz, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services administrator, surfaced. The shop’s owner emphasized that they “welcome every customer who walks through its doors.”

Steve Hawthorne, the owner of Hawthorne Coffee Roasters, took to Facebook to clarify the situation. He mentioned that Oz’s visit was “uninvited” and that he had not been informed beforehand. Hawthorne expressed that his coffee shop aims to unite people through the shared enjoyment of coffee.

“Dr. Oz stopped by our store,” he noted. “I wasn’t present at the time, and my staff took what they believed was a casual photo behind the counter. It was never meant for public sharing.”

He further explained that the staff captured what they thought were “light-hearted photos,” which later became public without his consent.

Hawthorne asserted, “We welcome every customer who walks through our doors. Photos with visitors shouldn’t be seen as political endorsements or statements. Our goal at Hawthorne Coffee has always been to serve the community and bring people together over good coffee.”

His response followed a post by WISN 12 News that showcased the photo of Dr. Oz and the coffee shop staff.

Following the release of the photo, reactions poured in. Some expressed sentiments like, “No need to go to Hawthorn anymore,” while others made humorous remarks about the situation, suggesting they should serve different types of creamers.

One user stated, “You don’t always get to choose who comes through the door,” reflecting on the unpredictable nature of the hospitality industry.

Kendra Barron, Hawthorne’s wife, reportedly commented on her husband’s post, revealing that she was among those photographed with Oz. She explained that she shared the images with staff members whose families worked for news outlets, taking responsibility for the situation.