République Restaurant Faces Backlash After Co-Owner Praises Tesla
Walter Manzke, the celebrated chef and co-owner of République, a highly-regarded French bistro in Los Angeles, has found himself embroiled in a social media controversy after expressing positive sentiments about Elon Musk’s electric car company, Tesla. Manzke’s seemingly innocuous comment, made during a recent interview with The New York Times, has ignited a firestorm of criticism, with some online users vowing to boycott his establishment.
The controversy stems from an article published by The Times profiling Tesla’s planned retro-futuristic diner, a concept announced by Musk in 2023 and still under development. The innovative concept includes Tesla charging stations alongside the dining and entertainment options, signaling Musk’s foray into the hospitality industry.
In the interview, Manzke shared his enthusiasm for the Tesla restaurant idea, stating that it "sounds exciting." He also mentioned that his wife and République co-owner had expressed interest in purchasing a Tesla vehicle, adding, "so I can tell you what side she’s on." This brief comment, seemingly harmless on its own, triggered a wave of negative reactions across social media platforms, particularly on Reddit.
The online backlash was swift and severe. Critics accused Manzke of alienating a significant portion of his clientele by aligning himself with Musk, a figure who has become increasingly polarizing due to his political stances and controversial business practices. One Reddit user, self-proclaimed as a "Top 1%" commenter, lamented Manzke’s statement, writing, "What a moron. Why would you open your fat mouth and alienate at least half of your clientele."
Other commenters echoed this sentiment, with some declaring their intention to boycott République in protest. One user stated, "Appreciate the link. Not gonna lie, this sucks, but there are plenty of other great places for pastry in this city." Another simply declared, "Easy boycott." One particularly harsh comment labeled Manzke’s pro-Tesla remark as "business suicide," adding, "Rare you see a local restaurateur commit business suicide in such a public way."
The negative reactions highlighted the growing division surrounding Elon Musk and his companies. Since becoming a senior advisor to President Donald Trump and the leader of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Musk has faced increased scrutiny and criticism, particularly from those with opposing political views. This has manifested in protests against DOGE and, more alarmingly, acts of vandalism targeting Tesla vehicles and dealerships across the country.
The Times article further contextualized Manzke’s comment within this broader climate of political polarization. The article reported on the escalating attacks on Tesla property, including instances of vehicles being set on fire and shot at. This backdrop of political tension likely amplified the negative reactions to Manzke’s seemingly simple expression of interest in the Tesla restaurant concept.
Recognizing the potential damage to their restaurant’s reputation, République’s management team responded to the controversy with an Instagram post aimed at clarifying Manzke’s comments. The post stated, "In response to a recent New York Times article, we want to clarify that the quote about possibly buying a Tesla was simply about exploring electric vehicle options, not a political statement. We value innovation and sustainability, and we respect all viewpoints. République does not take political stances; we are here to create a space for everyone, no matter their background or beliefs."
The restaurant’s response sought to distance République from any perceived political alignment with Musk, emphasizing their commitment to inclusivity and respect for diverse viewpoints. By framing Manzke’s comment as an expression of interest in electric vehicle technology rather than a political endorsement, the restaurant hoped to mitigate the damage caused by the social media backlash.
However, it remains to be seen whether this clarification will be enough to quell the online criticism and prevent any lasting impact on République’s business. The incident serves as a reminder of the potential risks that businesses face in the age of social media, where even seemingly innocuous comments can be easily amplified and politicized. It also highlights the increasingly complex and fraught relationship between business, politics, and consumer activism.
The controversy surrounding République underscores the challenges that businesses face in navigating an increasingly polarized political landscape. While companies often strive to maintain a neutral stance on political issues, employees’ personal opinions and affiliations can inadvertently become associated with the business, potentially alienating customers and damaging brand reputation. In this case, Manzke’s simple expression of interest in Tesla’s restaurant concept has sparked a controversy that has forced his restaurant to defend its commitment to inclusivity and respect for all viewpoints. The incident serves as a cautionary tale for businesses seeking to navigate the complexities of the modern social media environment.
