Server at Georgia restaurant faces fallout after RFK Jr. photo

Server’s photo with RFK Jr. sparks backlash and support

Last updated Aug 23, 2025

TL/DR –

Ann Wolfskill, a server at Cherokee Rose restaurant, faced backlash after posting a picture with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who visited the restaurant during his trip to Atlanta following a shooting at the CDC headquarter. After the picture went viral, the restaurant received hostile phone calls, emails, and negative online reviews, with some calling for a boycott. Despite the controversy, restaurant owner Jonathan Hartnett stated that their customer numbers have remained steady and they continue to provide the same service to everyone.

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Wolfskill, a resilient worker and widow, has a distinct bond with Cherokee Rose restaurant since its establishment in 2021, considering it her second home and her colleagues as family. The restaurant, susceptible to various external factors, still withstands changes in tastes, rising costs, and politics.

Controversy Stirred by Facebook Post

Wolfskill’s pleasant surprise turned into a storm when Robert F. Kennedy Jr., US Secretary of Health and Human Services, and his entourage visited the Cherokee Rose for dinner. After posting a picture with Kennedy on Facebook for promotional purposes, Wolfskill faced backlash due to Kennedy’s controversial political standing in metro Atlanta and its negative effect on the restaurant’s reputation.

The picture led to a wave of angry calls, emails, and poor online reviews, prompting Wolfskill to remove it. However, the restaurant received support as well, with loyal customers posting positive reviews and showing up in person. Despite the controversy, the restaurant’s business remained steady.

Never Judge a Diner By Their Politics

Cherokee Rose owner, Jonathan Hartnett, maintains that the restaurant provides equal service to all customers, regardless of their political affiliation. Despite the backlash, Wolfskill and Hartnett continued to provide quality service and food to their customers. Wolfskill’s only takeaway from the incident was to avoid posting pictures with political figures in the future.

The incident served as a reminder that a restaurant is both a business and a community space, balancing its own survival with the diverse opinions and experiences of its patrons.