When a Soda Label Sparked a Small-Town Stand: The Athens Grocer Who Said No to the NFL Logo
In Athens, Alabama, shoppers recently noticed something strange at their local grocery store: two of the town’s most popular drinks—20-ounce bottles of Pepsi and Diet Pepsi—had disappeared from the shelves. It wasn’t a delivery hiccup or a supply shortage. Instead, it was a deeply personal decision made by the store’s owner, Phillip Stewart.
The cause? A small logo on the bottles that stirred big emotions.
A Bold Statement Over a Simple Label
In October 2018, Stewart took an unexpected stand. When the latest Pepsi shipments arrived sporting the NFL logo, Stewart didn’t just see a brand partnership—he saw a symbol he couldn’t support.
Why? Because of the NFL players’ kneeling protests during the national anthem.
“I love this country,” Stewart said. “And I won’t compromise that for money.”
He decided, in no uncertain terms, that his store would stop selling any Pepsi product featuring the NFL emblem. That meant no more 20-ounce Pepsi or Diet Pepsi bottles until the logo was gone.
Standing by Convictions, Despite the Cost
Stewart knew this decision might cost him business, but for him, principles outweighed profits.
He explained his reasoning publicly: “I refuse to profit from something tied to players who kneel during the national anthem. I understand they want to raise awareness on important issues, but I just don’t agree with the tactic.”
Other Pepsi products without the NFL branding stayed on the shelves. But the logo on those bottles was a line Stewart wasn’t willing to cross.
A Small Act That Sparked a Bigger Conversation
Though controversial, Stewart’s choice resonated with many in his community. Supporters applauded his courage to stand firm in his beliefs, even when it meant losing sales. Critics, meanwhile, saw it as mixing business with politics.
Regardless of opinions, the story quickly spread beyond Athens, turning this quiet grocer’s decision into a symbol of conviction and the power of small actions.
🔹 Conclusion
In a world where brands and politics increasingly intersect, one Alabama grocer’s refusal to sell soda bottles with an NFL logo reminds us: sometimes, even the smallest choices—like what products to stock—can ignite a nationwide conversation about values, patriotism, and personal beliefs.
Phillip Stewart’s stand at S&Z Grocery shows that when business meets belief, the ripples can reach far beyond the checkout line.