Donald Trump’s well-known affinity for McDonald’s has been part of his public persona, from hosting college athletes with trays full of Big Macs to even stepping behind the counter at a franchise during an election campaign.
Now, he faces a new culinary rival in Texas: Trump Burger.
The Trump Burger eateries popping up across the state present a full-throttle homage to the 45th and 47th president, with façades draped in flags reminiscent of campaign seasons and lifelike cardboard cutouts of Trump ready to welcome guests.
Their menu features the Trump Tower Burger, inspired by the famed Manhattan residence, which boasts a remarkable 1 pound of Aberdeen Angus beef, along with grilled onions, jalapeños, lettuce, tomatoes, two slices of American cheese, onion rings, and barbecue and sriracha sauce.
Interestingly, the restaurant also has a Biden Burger on the menu, consisting of a mere 1 ounce of beef and touted as “preposterously” priced at $50.99, despite its unavailability owing to “cheating and inflation.”
What adds another layer of intrigue is that Roland Beainy, the owner of Trump Burger, is an immigrant from Lebanon who openly supports Trump, seemingly unaffected by the former president’s harsh anti-immigrant rhetoric.
Beainy’s burgeoning restaurant has attracted attention, receiving mixed feedback regarding both its culinary offerings and its political ambiance.
Critics have expressed discomfort with the pervasive political memorabilia that adorns the walls, creating an atmosphere where simply enjoying a meal can be overshadowed by political discussions.
Bao Ong, a restaurant critic from The Houston Chronicle, shared his experience at the newly opened Houston branch. Upon arriving, he found himself surrounded by the overwhelming presence of Trump merchandise.
During his visit, a fellow diner confronted him about his voting history from 2016, adding to the uncomfortable nature of the setting.
“I can barely remember. That was a long time ago,” Ong responded humorously, attempting to lighten the mood. “I’m hungry. What did you get?”
Despite his discomfort, Ong noted the simplicity of a featured sandwich, the “First Lady Chicken Sandwich,” and a classic milkshake that he found enjoyable. However, he criticized the overall quality of the food, dubbing the offerings as “consistent in its blandness.”
In response to Ong’s critique, Trump Burger took to social media to label the feedback as “fake news,” claiming bias due to The Houston Chronicle’s liberal leanings.
Brittany Britto Garley, a writer for Eater Houston, echoed Ong’s sentiments after visiting the new branch. She expressed unease regarding the theme’s nationalistic and personality-driven aesthetics, suggesting that the decor created a heavy ambiance.
Garley observed that the atmosphere felt “stiff, uncertain, and uncomfortable,” particularly for her as a woman of color, noting that there tended to be a general avoidance of eye contact among diners.
Although she found the burger patties to be thick, she described them as bland and covered in a waxy cheese, concluding that the political implications tied to dining there might deter some customers.
“For those who view Trump’s legacy differently,” Garley commented, “eating here feels like an endorsement of someone whose divisive actions and words have deeply impacted many lives.”
As Trump Burger gains attention and popularity, its success remains closely linked to the perceptions and experiences of its patrons, navigating the complicated blend of politics and dining.
image source from：https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-burger-houston-texas-reviews-b2762154.html
