Andy Ternay entered a First Watch café in Richardson, Texas, with his partner, placed an order, and was soon asked to leave by management. The request stemmed from complaints about the graphic political message printed on his T-shirt. Ternay later described the incident on Facebook, explaining that a manager told him customers, including families with children, felt uncomfortable with the language displayed on his clothing.

The shirt featured explicit anti-Trump and anti–alt-right slogans on both the front and back. According to Ternay, the situation escalated after drinks were served and food orders placed, when a cook also asked them to exit. He said they requested to tip their server and leave peacefully, noting that one nearby table applauded as they departed. Outside, Ternay claimed a server told him he quit in protest after witnessing the exchange.

Ternay later told The Daily Beast that several people of color complimented his shirt, saying it made them feel supported. He explained that wearing it was his way of signaling solidarity with marginalized communities, including people of color, Muslims, immigrants, and LGBTQ individuals. Ternay said he believed using his position as a white man to speak openly was a form of allyship and moral responsibility.

First Watch’s corporate office issued a statement clarifying that the removal was due solely to vulgar language, not political views or race. The restaurant compared its decision to restricting explicit content in family-friendly spaces and emphasized its right to refuse service. Despite the viral attention—over 42,000 shares—Ternay said he does not plan to boycott the café, but noted that messages from African Americans expressing loss of trust in white neighbors affected him most.