A Trump-themed burger chain is expanding across Texas, blending fast food with partisan brandingโand prompting sharply divided reviews from critics and diners alike.
Founded by Roland Beainy, a Lebanese immigrant, Trump Burger features red, white, and blue decor, Trump campaign slogans, and politically charged menu items that reference the former presidentโs opponents. The chain has opened multiple locations across the state, according to the New York Post.
Critics Call Out Political Messaging and Mixed Food Quality
Houston Chronicle critic Bao Ong visited the Houston location and described being surrounded by merchandise like red T-shirts with the phrase โYouโre fake news!โ and caps reading โTrump 2024: The Revenge Tour.โ He noted that the logo resembles a cartoon burger with golden-blonde hair, evoking Trumpโs iconic hairstyle. โThe red, white and blue color scheme and countless references to Trump feel like a shrine to the president,โ Ong wrote.
He recalled being approached by a Trump impersonator during his visit, adding: โI was waiting for him to break into โYMCAโ at some point during our lunch.โ
Ong described the food as inconsistent, calling the flagship burger โblandโ and criticizing the Philly cheesesteak for its โstingy portions.โ However, he praised the First Lady Chicken Sandwich and the milkshake made with Blue Bell ice cream for its classic appeal.
In contrast, Eater Houston food critic Brittany Britto Garley was more direct in her critique. She called the restaurantโs humor โbrutishโ and geared toward a Trump-supporting audience. On the Houston menu, she noted, the Biden Burgerโlisted as the โHarris Burgerโโfeatures a 1-ounce patty, โold tomato,โ and โthe oldest buns available due to cheating and inflation.โ The burger is priced at $50.99 and displayed below an image of Joe Biden with a red X over his face.
โItโs a joke,โ a cashier reportedly said when asked if the item was real.
Garley added that the restaurantโs aesthetics contribute to an uncomfortable dining experience: โEvery Trump Burger location tries to outdo itself in nationalist and personality cult aesthetics.โ She said the atmosphere at one location felt โstiff, uncertain, and uncomfortable, particularly for me, a woman of color.โ
Owner Responds to Critical Coverage
When asked for comment, a Trump Burger spokesperson told Fox News Digital that negative reactions were expected. โThe Houston Chronicle maintains a predominantly liberal stance, so we expected nothing less than a biased take on anything bearing the Trump name,โ the spokesperson said.
Despite the criticism, the chain continues to grow, attracting Trump supporters with its unapologetically political presentationโand provoking debate about the role of partisanship in Americaโs dining culture.
BY YOONJAE JUNG [jung.yoonjae@koreadaily.com]
