Alabama Grocery Owner Pulls Pepsi Products Over NFL Logo
Originally reported October 2018
S&Z Grocery in Athens, Alabama, has taken a stand by refusing to sell certain Pepsi products featuring the NFL logo. Owner Phillip Stewart said he could not, “in good conscience,” sell items with the logo, citing his opposition to the NFL players’ protests during the national anthem.
“This may cost me some business, but S&Z Grocery currently will not be selling 20-ounce Pepsi or Diet Pepsi bottles with the NFL logo,” Stewart said. “I refuse to sell the product until the logo is removed. I will not bow down to make a dollar as long as the athletes are allowed to bow down and disrespect the flag and country that I love.”
Stewart clarified that he understands the intent behind the players’ protests but believes “there are other ways to deal with it.” He confirmed that the store would continue selling Pepsi products that do not carry the NFL logo, which, according to his distributor, would remain on bottles through the Super Bowl.
The decision drew widespread support from customers who praised Stewart for standing by his principles, even at the potential cost of lost sales.
