Penzeys CEO Issues Statements on Trump Election and Racism

Last week, Bill Penzey Jr., CEO of Penzeys Spices sent an email to customers, as he does each week, with a message that left many customers quite offended. The email focused on Thanksgiving and the United States as a nation of immigrants, with, of course, a marketing message (he is a businessman after all). The email ended with the following:

"My advice: Get at least one of the $10 Kind Heart Boxes, but a half-dozen might be even better. What happens going forward will be all about hearts and minds. The open embrace of racism by the Republican Party in this election is now unleashing a wave of ugliness unseen in this country for decades. The American people are taking notice. Let's commit to giving the people a better choice. Our kindness really is our strength."

Angry customers responded, saying the message called them racists simply for being Republicans. The blogosphere of the far right is also up in arms over his messaging, and many have called for a boycott. This week, Mr. Penzey released another statement, "Racism Update." He apologized to Republicans who did not support Donald Trump, but doubled down on the rest, saying:

"For the rest of you, you just voted for an openly racist candidate for the presidency of the United States of America. In your defense, most of you did so without thinking of the consequences of your candidate's racism because, for most of you the heartbreaking destruction racism causes has never been anything you or your loved ones have had to experience. But the thing is elections have their consequences. This is no longer sixty years ago. Whether any of us like it or not, for the next four years the 80% of this country who did not just vote for an openly racist candidate are going to treat you like you are the kind of person who would vote for an openly racist candidate."

This is not the first time the spice purveyor has been known to use his business communications as a forum to promote his ideas. He has come under fire (and received praise) in the past for calling out Republican shenanigans in his home state of Wisconsin and sharing his thoughts on Milwaukee's white flight, opposition to using Indigenous American-themed mascots, and supporting public school teachers; he even expressed concern about the overuse of salt. His views aren't particularly controversial, but folks aren't accustomed to business owners taking a stand supporting progressive ideas and politics, particularly in the retail food business.

Penzeys — headquartered in Wauwatosa, Wis. — started as a mail order business in 1986 and has since expanded to 29 states with roughly 70 locations. The locations closest to Nashville are in the Louisville, Ky., and Birmingham, Ala., areas; the Memphis store is currently in the process of relocation and is not projected to be open before Christmas. But all of Penzeys spices and spice blends are available online.