‘Date Grape Kool-Aid’ sparks outrage

To promote the launch of the new downtown Daiquiri Factory this past Friday the bar posted a list of drinks. The list included a drink named “Date Grape Kool-Aid.”

Several women who said they were victims of rape immediately stepped up and asked the bar to change the name.

The fight expanded to Facebook where the bar’s owner said no way would he change the name.

In response, a Boycott Downtown Daiquiri Factory page popped up.

“Part of it was about the fact that it is a very sensitive subject and they’re handling it very insensitively,” Scott Kusel, Boycott Downtown Daiquiri Factory Facebook page creator, said.

This weekend protesters rallied at the bar urging owner Jamie Pendelton to change the name and issue an apology, but there have been supporters of the drink.

On the bar’s Facebook page the bar touted that they sold 10 gallons of “Date Grape” the night of the protest.

“We had so much fun. Can’t wait to come back,” another post said.

Requests to speak with the owner of the bar were declined.

Pendelton said through Facebook that in “no way” would he do an interview.

Now, Kraft Food Group, owners of the Kool-Aid brand, have weighed in.

“We at Kraft are appalled. Kool-Aid does not support or condone this drink, and it finds its name to be highly insensitive to a serious issue. This blatant misuse of the Kool-Aid trademark is offensive to so many, including us, and we are making it our top priority to address the situation ASAP,” said Kraft in a statement.

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