Themed restaurants have been around for a long time, catering to a variety of preferences. From chicken joints with a secret blend of herbs and spices created by a famous white-bearded colonel to cozy spots reminiscent of an old country store complete with a barrel of crackers, and even a sports bar serving chicken wings and beer adorned with an owl logo.
A new addition to this trend is a local chain in Texas that proudly features the name and likeness of President Donald Trump as its central theme. While this concept has faced criticism from food experts, it’s important to note that Texas is known for its diverse opinions, so there are likely supporters of this bold idea as well.
The brainchild behind this venture is a Lebanese immigrant named Roland Beainy, who launched the chain called “Trump Burger.” The menu includes burgers bearing the president’s name, American flags as decor, and playful items poking fun at his political opponents. With multiple outlets across Texas, the restaurant has attracted attention from both food critics and political commentators who have weighed in on the culinary offerings and the chain’s political undertones.
“I’m waiting for my order at Trump Burger in Houston surrounded by merchandise including baseball caps emblazoned with ‘Trump 2024 The Revenge Tour’ and red T-shirts featuring a favorite line from the 47th President of the United States, ‘You’re fake news!’” Houston Chronicle restaurant critic Bao Ong wrote.
Ong, who said he keeps his personal politics private, added that when a fellow customer asked who he voted for in 2016, he recounted that he replied, “’I can barely remember. That was a long time ago,’ I stuttered with a nervous chuckle. ‘I’m hungry. What did you get?’”
There are some humorous items on the menu, probably not intended to be taken seriously. For example, the “Biden Burger” has a one-ounce patty topped with “old tomato” and “the oldest buns available.” The menu features the Biden Burger, accompanied by a cartoonish portrait of the former president with a red “X” over his face.
I have a funny feeling we can all take a pretty good guess at Roland Beainy’s political views.
Eater Houston food critic Brittany Britto Garley was far more explicit about her views on Trump, noting that the Trump Burger owner “has said he thinks Trump greatly improved the economy during his first presidency (spoiler: he didn’t).”
Actually, he did, but that’s an argument for another day.
