Trump burger chain is gaining popularity in Texas amid controversy. Should you try?

Economic Times

3 days ago

Trump Burger, a restaurant chain themed around Donald Trump, is now open in Texas. The restaurant features American flags and satirical menu items. Critics give mixed reviews on the food and atmosphere. Some find the food bland. Others feel uneasy due to the political environment. The restaurant has locations in Houston, Bellville, and other cities.
Tired of too many ads?
Remove Ads
Trump burger restaurants
Tired of too many ads?
Remove Ads
What are the critics saying?
Tired of too many ads?
Remove Ads
A new burger chain themed around US President Donald Trump has gained popularity in Texas and those who don't vocally support him find it to be in poor taste, reports Fox News. A Lebanese immigrant Roland Beainy is said to have launched a restaurant chain called " Trump Burger ," known for its burgers branded with the former president's name, American flag décor, and satirical menu items targeting Democratic rivals.With several locations now open across Texas, the chain has drawn attention from food critics who have weighed in on both its culinary offerings and political undertones.As the name implies, Trump Burger restaurants—now appearing across Texas—are heavily themed around the 45th and 47th U.S. president. The establishments are decked out in campaign-style flags and posters, with life-sized cardboard cutouts of Donald Trump greeting customers at the door.One signature item on the menu is the 'Trump Tower Burger,' a nod to the namesake skyscraper in Manhattan. It features a hefty 16oz (1lb) of Aberdeen Angus beef, grilled onions, jalapeños, tomatoes, lettuce, two slices of white American cheese, onion rings, and a mix of barbecue and sriracha sauces dubbed 'homage.'The menu also includes a satirical 'Biden Burger,' described as containing a mere 1oz (0.06lb) of beef, an 'old tomato,' 'our oldest buns,' and a hefty price tag of $50.99. The burger, however, is not available for purchase, with the menu citing 'cheating and inflation' as the reasons.As the business expands, it has begun drawing both curiosity and criticism—for its food and its overt political messaging. Houston Chronicle restaurant critic Bao Ong recently visited the newly opened Houston location, which joins existing branches in Bellville, Flatonia, and Kemah. He described the dining experience as visually overwhelming due to the abundance of Trump-themed decor and recounted feeling uneasy when another patron questioned him about his 2016 vote.'I can barely remember. That was a long time ago,' Ong replied with a nervous laugh. 'I'm hungry. What did you get?'In his review, Ong concluded that it was difficult to simply focus on the food amid the charged atmosphere. He was also unimpressed by the cuisine itself, describing it as 'consistently bland' and criticizing the Philly cheesesteak for its 'stingy portions.'A food critic described Trump Burger's logo as featuring a "cheeky, anthropomorphic burger" with a swoop of golden-blonde hair resembling former President Trump's signature hairstyle. The restaurant's red, white, and blue decor and numerous Trump references, the critic said, make it feel more like a shrine than a dining venue.'It's hard to just enjoy your meal at Trump Burger,' the reviewer remarked, noting he was even approached by a Trump impersonator during his visit. 'At one point, I half-expected him to start dancing to 'YMCA.''While unimpressed with the main burger, which he found 'consistently bland,' and the Philly cheesesteak, criticized for 'stingy portions,' he praised the 'First Lady Chicken Sandwich' for its well-cooked chicken and classic American cheese. The milkshake also earned praise for its use of Blue Bell ice cream, which he said gave it an all-American feel.'My companion and I agreed the milkshake, made with Brenham-born Blue Bell, was a highlight,' he wrote. 'Simple and classic, it fit right in with the U.S. flag-themed decor.'Though the restaurant has garnered enthusiastic reviews from Trump supporters, this critic was not alone in offering a mixed take. Eater Houston's Brittany Britto Garley was more direct in her assessment, criticizing both the food and the political undertones.Garley noted the owner's claim that Trump improved the economy — a view she disputed — and described the restaurant's humor as 'brutish,' targeting a Trump-supporting audience. One controversial menu item, the 'Biden Burger' (called the 'Harris Burger' at the Houston location), was priced at $50.99 and described with mocking language. 'It's a joke,' a cashier said when asked if it was a real menu item.Garley wrote that each Trump Burger location seems to compete in showcasing nationalist and personality-cult aesthetics. She described the atmosphere as 'stiff, uncertain, and uncomfortable,' particularly as a woman of color.'For Trump supporters, the restaurant may feel affirming,' she concluded. 'But for those critical of his legacy — including deportations, constitutional concerns, and divisive rhetoric — dining here may feel like endorsing values they oppose.'In response, a Trump Burger representative told Fox News Digital the criticism was expected given the media's political leanings.'We weren't surprised by biased reviews from outlets like the Houston Chronicle, which lean liberal,' the spokesperson said.