YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY
Springfield, MO
YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY
Springfield, MO
Last edited 1:17 p.m., Oct. 30, 2019
Customers have taken to their keyboards to defend Amycakes LLC after a discrimination allegation against the company and another Springfield business, Norman’s Bridal, popped up online.
The post to Overheard at Missouri State, an unofficial Facebook page for university students with more than 7,500 members, has since been deleted, though Amycakes and other users took screenshots. The Facebook user, whose name has been removed in the screenshots, accused Amycakes bakery and Norman’s Bridal wedding dress shop of discriminating against a same-sex couple.
“I just wanted to let everyone know that two businesses in Springfield denied my best friend and her fiance because they are gay,” the post reads. “I know weddings are not uncommon in college, so I wanted to make sure to touch base with the current students of MSU to help spread the word and hopefully avoid these places.”
In a Facebook post yesterday, Amycakes denied the allegation.
“We were shocked and saddened to be alerted to this post on the Overheard at MSU Facebook page,” the post reads. “This is absolutely not true. We have been thrilled to serve dozens of same-sex couples throughout the past 10 years. We are so happy when any couple chooses us to make their wedding cake.”
As of this morning, the post had more than 260 reactions and around 150 comments, with many saying Amycakes has been friendly to the local LGBTQ community.
A screenshot posted by one Facebook user shows the person who made the allegations later amended the post, saying Amycakes reached out and that “I’m so glad I will be able to continue to recommend them.”
Reached this morning, Amycakes co-owner Amy Bloodworth said the company will not file suit against the Facebook user.
“I have been in contact with the original poster, and she expressed her apologies and eventually took down her post,” Bloodworth said. “While it was a very rough day, we won’t be pursuing legal action.”
Liz Stoner, operations manager of Norman’s Bridal, said company officials were upset by the allegations presented in the Facebook post.
“We do not discriminate against anyone for any reason,” Stoner said. “We have served dozens of LGBTQ customers over the years. Several members of our staff are members of the LGBTQ community and we love and respect them.”
Amycakes makes cakes, cookies, cupcakes and more at 1108 E. Walnut St., according to past SBJ reporting. Norman's Bridal sells wedding and prom dresses at stores in downtown Springfield, 317 South Ave., and Lebanon.
Guest columnist Donnie Brawner says many entrepreneurs stray from their original business ventures, which is often a recipe for success.
Amy and her business have been a stable part of our community for several years. She certainly doesn't need me to come to her rescue, however it seems that it is not uncommon for women to be attacked in this community with little support of other business owners who know better. Amy is one of those people who deserve our support and as a result, I will make a visit on Friday to get a box of pastries. In addition to this, I will stand beside her and defend her character and kind nature. Any person who perpetuates false statements about Amy should be the business who receives our condemnation. Don't sit back and let someone else tarnish the image of Amy or her business.