A coffee shop in Rancho Santa Fe, California, has become a focal point of both support and controversy following the assassination of conservative figure Charlie Kirk. Sara De Luca, owner of Invita Cafe, chose to honor Kirk by placing stickers on coffee cups that read, “Thank You, Charlie Kirk — We Love You.” Her intention was to express her support for someone she admired, but the gesture quickly ignited a wave of backlash.
De Luca, a long-time supporter of Kirk’s organization, Turning Point USA, did not anticipate the negative response. She remarked, “I honestly did not think twice about it. It didn’t even cross my mind.” Shortly after the stickers began appearing on cups, her baristas reported receiving a barrage of hateful calls. The criticism was swift, leading the cafe to temporarily disable their Yelp and Google review pages due to the influx of negative feedback.
Despite the initial onslaught, De Luca remained optimistic. She reassured her staff, saying, “Good people are going to show up.” As news of the backlash spread, community support began to pour in. By the middle of the week, De Luca was emotional as she witnessed the overwhelming response from her customers. Sales surged by an astonishing 312 percent, with patrons lining up for 30 to 45 minutes for their orders.
Community and National Support
The support for Invita Cafe was not limited to local patrons. De Luca received calls from across the country, including one from Georgia, where a customer offered to pay for the next 100 drinks with a $500 donation. Another customer anonymously left $300 in the cafe, further highlighting the national reach of the cafe’s message. “Where did these people come from?” De Luca wondered, attributing the influx of goodwill to a higher purpose. “God is so behind all of this,” she stated.
De Luca’s cafe has become a sanctuary for those who share her beliefs. “We were flooded with righteous people just showing up, supporting us, defending us,” she said. The establishment has transformed into a gathering place for like-minded individuals who express gratitude for the tribute to Kirk, with many stating, “Charlie would be proud.”
The situation at Invita Cafe emphasizes how strongly community ties can manifest in the face of adversity. While the initial criticism was significant, the resultant support has not only boosted the cafe’s sales but has also brought a sense of unity among its patrons.
The story of Invita Cafe highlights the complexities of expressing political and social beliefs in public spaces, particularly when they evoke strong reactions. As De Luca continues to navigate the aftermath of Kirk’s death, her cafe stands as a testament to the passionate support of her community and the unexpected ways in which people come together.
In a world where businesses often shy away from political engagements, Invita Cafe has embraced its identity, proving that community backing can turn controversy into a powerful narrative of support and resilience.
