A new bar in Charleston is facing backlash after imposing an alleged “racist” dress code that appeared to target Black men.
The backlash stemmed from a video shared by TikTok user Sarah Baus, who said she witnessed a bouncer enforcing a new dress code next to a group of Black men waiting to enter Zachary’s Daquiris’ grand opening earlier this month.
Zachary’s Daiquiris, owned by Bravo’s Southern Charm star Leva Bonaparte and her husband, Lamar, under their Republic Hospitality group, is a bar dedicated to frozen boozy beverages, from espresso martinis to frosés, named after local landmarks.
“No Jordans. No ripped jeans. No athletic jeans,” the bouncer allegedly declared near the group of Black men in what Baus described as racial targeting.
“Y’all they don’t actually have a dress code, they used the dress code as a tool to remove Black patrons,” one TikTok user commented on Baus’ video.
“The Jordan rule at a lot of bars is just to keep black people out. Also thank you for not sitting by and silently ignoring racism,” another user said.
“Their instagram story literally has a photo of two white men wearing Jordans 😂 they aren’t tryna deny the racist allegations at all 😬,” a third person chimed in.
The video also prompted users to share negative reviews about the new establishment on Google and Yelp.
In response to the backlash, the Bonapartes released a statement on social media, saying, “In the past few days, I have been asked to make a statement, apologize, and address outlandish allegations about my business on social media-allegations that are not only entirely false, but extremely harmful and discriminatory.”
“To be accused of racial profiling by a non POC young Tik Toker is very 2025! For those who want to follow this ‘organized propaganda’ that we are a “White’s Only” establishment, please kindly KISS MY A**,” the statement continued. “I am a person that has experienced racism and acts of discrimination firsthand. This is a real F—K YOU moment.”
“We have a dress code and it’s enforced AFTER 8PM. If you don’t like the way we do business, DON’T COME,” they added.
Zachary’s Daquiris reportedly shared its dress code on Instagram earlier this month, saying athletic wear, gym attire, ripped/frayed/patched jeans, jerseys, graphic tees, tank tops, hoodies, and Crocs/slides weren’t permitted after 8 p.m. It’s unclear whether the dress code was shared before the night of the grand opening.
Despite the owners’ response, social media users are condemning the restaurant for enforcing a dress code targeted at how many Black men dress. See their reactions below.
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