At first glance, it seemed like an ordinary restock—familiar soda bottles lined up just as they always were.
But a small change on the packaging caught the attention of one Alabama store owner, and that single detail was enough to halt sales entirely. What began as a routine delivery soon became a quiet act of resistance that reached far beyond a neighborhood grocery aisle.
Note: This article was originally published in October 2018 and is being republished for context.
S&Z Grocery, a locally owned store in Athens, Alabama, serves residents with everyday necessities. But owner Phillip Stewart made the decision to pull two widely purchased products from his shelves after noticing a promotional addition he strongly disagreed with.
Certain bottles of Pepsi and Diet Pepsi were labeled with the official National Football League logo as part of a marketing campaign. For Stewart, the branding crossed a personal line.
In a public message explaining his decision, Stewart said he could not support the league in any capacity. “I don’t feel right about it,” he stated. “I can’t sell something that promotes an organization I fundamentally disagree with.”
Stewart acknowledged that the move could negatively affect his business but said the decision was rooted in conscience rather than profit.
He informed customers that S&Z Grocery would temporarily stop selling 20-ounce Pepsi and Diet Pepsi bottles displaying the NFL logo. “This may cost me sales,” he wrote, “but I’ve made my decision.”
According to Stewart, his objection was connected to protests by some NFL players during the national anthem. He explained that he viewed the demonstrations as disrespectful to the American flag and the country, and he did not want to earn money tied to that association.
While Stewart said he recognized that the protests were meant to raise awareness of social issues, he disagreed with the approach.
“I understand the intent, and I believe attention has been brought to important concerns,” he said. “I just don’t agree with how it’s being done.”
The store owner clarified that his stance applied only to products carrying the NFL branding. Pepsi items without the logo would remain available. He also noted that his distributor indicated the promotional labels would likely stay on select bottles through the Super Bowl.
After announcing his decision, Stewart received messages of support from customers and members of the community, many praising him for standing by his beliefs despite potential financial consequences.
Conclusion
The situation at S&Z Grocery illustrates how national debates can surface in the most local of settings. A single marketing decision tied to a broader cultural issue prompted a small-business owner to make a choice based on values rather than revenue.
Whether viewed as a principled stand or a form of protest, the episode highlights how deeply political and cultural discussions can influence everyday commerce—and how individual convictions continue to shape decisions in even the smallest corners of American life.