Ex-Louisville barista files complaint, accuses Heine Bros. of discrimination

Paige Rogers believes she was fired for expressing her Christian beliefs, according to the complaint.

Heine Brothers Coffee has named Jessica Lord as its new CEO.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A former coffee shop barista in Louisville is accusing her ex-employer of religious discrimination months after her termination.

In a complaint filed with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Paige Rogers said Heine Brothers Coffee fired her days after she spoke with co-workers about her religious beliefs.

According to a Thursday news release, law firms Sturgill Turner and First Liberty Institute filed the charge.

The complaint states that during a shift on Oct. 1, 2025, Rogers’ co-workers asked which college she attended.

She said she was a sophomore at Boyce College, a Christian college in Louisville, which led to discussions about her beliefs.

“I respectfully shared about God’s design for marriage and sex,” Rogers said.

The complaint says Rogers and a co-worker discussed reading the Bible, and she shared her personal testimony. During the conversation, the other worker asked whether they would need to end a relationship with two partners to become a Christian.

“I respectfully shared my belief that homosexuality is a sin, but we are all sinners, and it is never our place to judge someone,” Rogers added.

Nearly two weeks later, Rogers said she received a text informing her of her termination, citing an alleged violation of the company’s policy on respectful workplace conduct and anti-discrimination.

The complaint also claims Rogers discussed her beliefs in a way that was “unwelcome and offensive to others” and that it “created discomfort among team members.”

“At no time prior to this was I interviewed or informed that there was an investigation or any allegations against me,” Rogers said.

She added that after requesting more details, she received an email from management a few days later with different reasons for her termination.

“I was told that the termination was based on ‘concerns regarding communication, frequent call-ins, and limited availability that impacted scheduling needs,’” she said.

Attorneys said Rogers is seeking compensation for lost income.

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