Memphis Pizza Owner’s Refusal to Serve National Guard Draws Supporters, Boosts Business

A Memphis pizzeria has experienced a dramatic business surge following its decision to deny service to National Guard troops, with the owner saying the week after the incident brought roughly double his normal sales volume. Miles Tamboli, proprietor of Tamboli’s Pasta & Pizza, attributed the influx to what supporters have characterized as a “buy-cott,” countering calls from conservative activists for a boycott after the July 11 refusal.

Tamboli declined to serve four uniformed members of the Memphis Safe Task Force because he opposes the federally directed initiative established in September 2025 by President Donald Trump. The task force combines municipal police with federal agents, Tennessee National Guard personnel, and state troopers to address violent crime in the city.

The restaurant owner contends the task force has worsened conditions rather than improved public safety. He pointed to the task force’s own records showing most arrests originated from routine traffic stops rather than violent crime investigations, and cited school attendance declines driven by community fear.

Tamboli highlighted the July death of 20-year-old Tyrin Johnson, shot by National Guard troops during a foot pursuit without body camera documentation. He also referenced deaths of two other individuals, including Jonah Neal, killed during a mental health crisis response by a federal agent.

In his statement, Tamboli rejected suggestions that conservative patrons had abandoned the establishment. He emphasized running his business by personal conscience aligns with American principles and that his register does not track customer politics.

Customer Carol Bigam, a retired FedEx worker, defended the restaurant’s right to refuse service as protected speech. Another patron, Sarah Jones, supported the business owner’s stance as legitimate protest, though she acknowledged the National Guard bore no responsibility for deployment decisions.