By now, you’ve probably heard about Trump Burger. The restaurant, described as a "patriotic haven” and homage to President Donald Trump, has been embroiled in controversy all summer. And, why is that? Two Trump Burger owners, both who have spoken highly of the current president, have been detained by ICE in recent months. So, how did a burger place for Trump fans wind up in the Houston area and make national news? Let’s unpack.
The Start of Trump Burger
In 2016, Eddie and Sue Hawa opened the first version of the restaurant in Bellville, a community over an hour northwest of Houston. The couple originally started a cafe that was just another restaurant with no Trump branding. As the presidential election neared in October 2016, the couple decided to rebrand their business and call it Trump Cafe. Now, customers could devour a “Trump Burger” for $12.95 and meet with like minded individuals. However, only a year into the business, Trump Cafe abruptly closed in 2017.
Still, Trump Burger gained new life when Roland Beainy, described as a Lebanese immigrant in news reports, opened a new and improved version in 2020. Now, customers could order burgers with “Trump” emblazoned on the bun. American flags and Pro-Trump banners were also easy to spot. The burger business expanded to other locations including Kemah, Houston, and Flatonia. Then, trouble started to brew.
Trouble for Trump Burger
In May, Trump Burger owner Beainy was arrested by immigration officials and has been accused of overstaying his visa, which expired in Feb. 2024. Beainy also allegedly has an assault charge on his record and has been accused of creating a fake marriage to gain permanent residency in the U.S. But, the trouble doesn’t stop there.
Eddie Hawa, also known as Iyad Abuelhawa, has also been detained by ICE and is being held in a detention center in Montgomery County. He allegedly has been in the country illegally since 2009, when a judge ordered his deportation. Meanwhile, Hawa and Beainy are fighting over ownership of the business and both have sued one another over the burger franchise.
With all the news swirling about this restaurant, how does the Trump burger actually taste? “The chargrilled burger patties are thick but bland, topped with a waxy cheese that lacks any memorable flavor,” Brittany Britto Garley, Eater's former regional editor, said in review.
Houston Chronicle restaurant critic Bao Ong also said this: “Most dishes are unremarkable and far from making the Chronicle’s best burgers guide.”
So, will Trump Burger outlast its legal drama? It’s unclear. But, in the meantime, grab your popcorn, maybe a Trump Burger, and enjoy the show! 🍔
Shout-out to Houston Chronicle reporter Sarah Smith who unpacked all of the Trump burger drama in this gripping story. Definitely worth a read 📚
A previous version of this article incorrectly stated when Trump Burger owner Roland Beainy's visa expired. The correct date is February 2024. A previous version of this article also had the incorrect spelling of the community where the original Trump Burger is located. It is Bellville.
