A Memphis pizza restaurant, Tamboli's Pasta & Pizza, has experienced a surge in business following its refusal to serve uniformed members of the National Guard on July 11, 2026. Owner Miles Tamboli opposed the federally led Memphis Safe Task Force, arguing that the involvement of National Guard troops in local law enforcement has made the city less safe rather than more secure.

The refusal sparked significant online backlash but also drew local support, with some conservative activists calling for a "buy-cott" that has brought more customers to the establishment. Tamboli told Fox News Digital on July 15, "I stand behind that decision completely."

The Guardian reported that the restaurant opened with a full house and had a line waiting by 5:30 p.m., an unusual level of early business for the shop. Waitstaff noted the need for extra crew to handle the increased customer volume, with Tamboli confirming business is up "a great amount."

Supporters, including Carol Bigam, a retired FedEx worker, defended the shop's right to refuse service, stating, "If you have a business — a small family-owned business — that says, ‘You know what, I’m sorry, I can’t serve you, I just don’t believe you should be here,’ it really should be OK. Is he not allowed free speech? He was very professional about it. Give me a break, man."

Tamboli also expressed that while he does not blame the National Guard members for their presence in Memphis, he supports businesses refusing service as a form of protest.

The controversy comes amid broader discussions on public safety, including reports that a 20-year-old Memphian named Tyrin Johnson was shot and killed by National Guard troops during a foot chase earlier in July 2026, with no body camera footage released and no answers provided to his family.

Meanwhile, in Chicago, escalating violent crime has led to repeated offers from President Trump to deploy the National Guard, which have been criticized by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson.

Sources