Pineville shop slammed for inclusive door signs. Then the owner responded.
A Charlotte-area ice cream shop has gone viral after someone wrote a negative review online but never went into the store.
“Just wanted to get some ice with my son but the politics on the door turned us away!” said the one-star Google review of Carolina Scoops Ice Cream in Pineville. The name was crossed out and The Charlotte Observer didn’t find the post.
The various stickers on the door support an array of issues, including LGBTQ+, women’s and immigrant rights.
Carolina Scoops responded to that review on its Facebook page : “My door represents human rights, inclusivity and respect — not politics. These are important values for building a kind, welcoming community and for teaching the next generation empathy and acceptance. ... we’re going to keep scooping with love up in here!!!”
The business shared the review on its social media sites, along with a photo of its door and the stickers on Saturday, saying, ”I will NEVER apologize for having HUMAN RIGHTS stickers on the front door of MY small business.”
By Wednesday, Carolina Scoops’ post had amassed over 151,000 reactions and 2,315 comments on TikTok. On Facebook, there were more than 3,500 reactions, 104 shares and 308 comments, and over 11,000 likes on Instagram.
Among the 12 stickers on the glass-paned door, are ones that say “Love is Love” with a rainbow for gay rights, “Women’s rights are human rights,” and “No one is illegal on stolen land.” There’s also a hand with the American flag colors making the peace sign.
The majority of comments on the social media sites supported the business, with many people saying they were planning a trip to the store following Carolina Scoops’ post.
“You have earned my business,” one person said on Facebook. “Crazy what is now considered ‘politics,’” another said.
I would instantly feel more comfortable and at ease when I saw the door,” one person said on TikTok, while another wrote: “sorry billy no ice cream cuz the ice cream shop thinks everyone should be treated equal.”
‘The best thing about America’
In a video Tuesday on Carolina Scoops’ social media sites, owner Sara Longstreet said her post had gone viral on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok leading to more followers and positive comments.
“It’s not the first time people have commented on the stickers on the door or wrote us reviews and told us we need to stay neutral,” she said, acknowledging she posted the initial negative response out of spite.
After bleeped out language, she said “I built this brand and this business to create a safe, fun community space, so people can get ice cream, and celebrate, and make memories with their families.”
She credited her parents for teaching her and her sister to embrace cultural differences, and to educate themselves. “It’s the best thing about America,” she said. “Like that is a good thing.”
“My own family is multi-racial so why wouldn’t I put those stickers on the door?”
Longstreet did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday.
In the comments on the video, one person said, “Those stickers are what brought me IN your door for the first time.”
“As if I couldn’t love your business anymore,” another person said.
Carolina Scoops owner community support
This is not the first time Longstreet has dealt with pushback for supporting LGBTQ and immigrant rights.
Last month, Carolina Scoops posted on its social media sites that it supported nationwide ICE protests, although the small local business would remain open. A national shutdown was organized Jan. 30 to protest the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigrants with ICE and U.S. Border Patrol raids.
While the majority of comments on Carolina Scoops’ social media sites were supportive, one person said the signs alienate customers who support the administration and ICE efforts.
“Not always the best thing for a small business to throw their hat in the political arena,” one person responded on Instagram. “We’re long time customers but I may rethink where I spend my money!”
In 2024, Longstreet proposed to the town council a family-friendly Pride event and flag display on Pineville’s Main Street. The idea was met with silence by the town council and opposition from the mayor. The proposal didn’t make it to a vote.
But last year, Pineville approved Longstreet’s idea for a free Pride event on the Town Hall lawn.
“Pride is about people and supporting the LGBTQ community in Pineville and beyond. Just creating a positive, loving environment where people can be who they want to be,” Longstreet said at the time.
And the community is supporting Longstreet right back.
“Grateful to have you as the backbone of our Pineville business community,” Moxie Fitness Studio said on Carolina Scoops’ Instagram post about the negative review.
“Love a human that’s supports all humans!!!,” another person said. “Love you, your business practices and your ice cream!”
This story was originally published February 26, 2026 at 5:30 AM with the headline "Pineville shop slammed for inclusive door signs. Then the owner responded.."
