Customers outraged after restaurant posts photo with vulgar anti-Trump hashtag: 'Leave politics out of your business'

Hope Schreiber
·Writer
The owner of Industrial Eats claims that he does not regret the anti-Trump hashtag shared on a photo of the Cinco de Mayo special, but he did not intend to offend anyone. (Photo: Yelp)
The owner of Industrial Eats claims that he does not regret the anti-Trump hashtag shared on a photo of the Cinco de Mayo special, but he did not intend to offend anyone. (Photo: Yelp)

Note: The photo below includes an expletive.

Customers promise to boycott a California restaurant after a social media post included an anti-Trump hashtag on a photo featuring its special for Cinco de Mayo.

Industrial Eats in Buellton, Cali. often shares photos of their pizzas, sandwiches and other meals on Facebook. However, in a recent post featuring a plate of chile verde suckling pig, refried beans and Mexican rice, the restaurant's owner, Jeff Olsson, included the hashtag #F***Trump.

“There’s one and a half million users or posts online, and [the caption] auto-filled, and I was like ‘oh that’s funny,’ and I hit that,” Olsson told KSBY.

However, many customers did not share his sentiments or sense of humor, and bluntly voiced their displeasure over the comment.

"Food looks great!! Very delicious, BUT you will never see me eat at your place again! Leave politics out of your business ... #SeeYa," one person posted.

"I have spent many a hard-earned dollar at your place. I have recommended your place more times than I can count. I respect freedom of speech, I also will be spending my money elsewhere. I will never recommend your place again," one very offended former customer wrote. "Not a good business model to hide behind a political hashtag with profanity and hate. You crossed the line and I personally hope it is the end of your business."

"You lost my business. My last tab there was a few hundred dollars. Your hatred is so thick you have to squeeze it in your business advertising?! Wow. Only thing you have to grasp ... Is he's STILL YOUR PRESIDENT! #maga #boycottIE," a third shared.

“To say that our restaurant is not political is to not open your eyes,” Olsson said. “The restaurant has always worn its politics on its sleeve."

One woman, who did not wish to be identified, told KSBY that she disagrees. "We should have safe places like restaurants where it doesn’t matter what your beliefs are, and I really think they have taken that away from me,” she said. “I worry that if I walked in there with a MAGA hat or something like that, it would trigger them to treat me differently because of whether I believed in it or not.”

However, many are showing plenty of support for Industrial Eats, and are hopeful that the recent boycott means more seats will be open.

"I love your food," a supporter wrote. "And I so love your hashtag."

"Food looks delicious!" one person shared. "Almost as delicious as all the whiny baby tears on this comment thread."

"I think I have a new favorite restaurant and dish while dining in Buellton! You have my full support Industrial Eats!" a commenter shared.

“I don’t understand the ‘politics doesn’t belong in business’ sentiment, especially with the time that we are in. Everything is political and food is very political. Yeah, it was just kind of snarky,” said Olsson.

Olsson told KSBY that he did not intend to upset anyone, and he does not regret sharing the post.

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