Overview
- Miles Tamboli of Tamboli’s Pasta & Pizza publicly said he will not serve uniformed members of the Tennessee National Guard’s Memphis Safe Task Force, a stance he first announced earlier this month and has since defended.
- High‑reach social posts amplified his statement into a national story, drawing millions of views and prompting both organized local support and coordinated campaigns against the restaurant.
- Local activists organized a 'buy‑cott' listing businesses that oppose the task force, producing long lines and a sharp short‑term rise in customers at the pizzeria.
- Tamboli says he has received violent threats and review‑bombing online, and he and his family temporarily relocated because of safety concerns.
- The dispute highlights broader questions in Memphis about the Guard deployment and accountability after several fatal encounters involving task force personnel, and commentators note state and federal law can allow businesses to refuse service based on occupation.