NYC Cafe Refuses Service to 9/11 Mourner Wearing MAGA Hat

A New Jersey man, Anthony Pullis, reported being denied service at a New York City cafe on September 11th because he was wearing a MAGA hat. Pullis was on his way to a 9/11 memorial service for his father, who perished in the World Trade Center attacks. He had a picture of his father pinned to his shirt.

<img src="https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxbusiness.com/foxbusiness.com/content/uploads/2025/09/931/523/coffee-barista-maga-hat-customer.jpg?ve=1&tl=1" alt="Coffee barista holding coffee cup; Anthony Pullis and mother at 9/11 memorial">

Pullis stated the barista simply said, "No service." He initially believed the cafe might not be open, but after observing other customers being served, he attributed the refusal to his hat. The incident occurred on the same day as the annual 9/11 memorial ceremony in lower Manhattan, adding to the emotional weight of the situation.

Pullis' friend urged him to leave, but Pullis felt compelled to stay, especially considering the recent assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk the previous day.

<img src="https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxbusiness.com/foxbusiness.com/content/uploads/2025/09/931/523/charlie-kirk-utah-event.png?ve=1&tl=1" alt="Charlie Kirk engages with students at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah">

Later, Pullis returned with a family friend, a retired firefighter, in full uniform. The barista then served them but remained silent when questioned about the earlier refusal. Pullis left a generous tip, but the barista called him "disgusting" as he left.

<img src="https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxbusiness.com/foxbusiness.com/content/uploads/2022/12/931/523/iStock-1302921298.jpg?ve=1&tl=1" alt="barista counter">

The cafe's co-founder apologized for the incident, stating that refusing service based on appearance violates company policy. Disciplinary action was taken against the barista. While Pullis acknowledged the apology, he expressed disappointment that the incident occurred, especially given the significance of the day and the location.

The incident follows another recent controversy involving a Starbucks barista who allegedly refused to write Charlie Kirk's name on a coffee cup.