Rhinegeist announced Saturday it will be cutting ties with Broney's Alumni Grill after an offensive message was written on a Rhinegeist-branded chalkboard located in the bar Friday.
The message — which read, “If you’re looking for a safe space this ain’t it cupcake,” — sparked a public outcry on social media. The Cincinnati-based brewery criticized the message in a Facebook post, announcing its choice to cut ties with Broney's, 7 W. Carpenter St.
Broney's issued an apology on their Facebook page, stating that management is trying to determine who wrote the statement.
"I believe that Rhinegeist isn't wrong to have intervened," said Lia Knox, an Athens resident. "It was Brew Week and they were in town to promote their beer. That statement with their brand front and center is not a good look."
Knox, who posted a photo of the sign on social media, said she did not intend for it to go viral, but she is O.K. with people sharing it and voicing their concerns.
