Wheaton Business Owner Faces Backlash, Gathers Support for Public Trump Support
A small business in suburban Wheaton is facing controversy after showing their support for President-elect Donald Trump in the wake of the 2024 election.
A Message of Faith and Politics
Moveable Feast, a Latino-owned family business, put up a banner in front of the restaurant that reads "Jesus is my savior" and "Trump is my president." According to owner Matthew Marquez, he opened the business’ doors six years ago, building their restaurant on their faith.
Community Reaction
On Friday afternoon, the eatery was bustling with customers expressing their support and right to free speech. Marquez said, "I feel like we are who we are unapologetically, and we didn’t intend to offend anyone. I thought maybe it would be a few people who would walk by, kinda look at the sign and frown at it or give it a thumbs up and then move on, but it came way more than that really quick."
Hateful Messages and Backlash
Two weeks before the election, the owner put up a "Make America Healthy Again" poster, and since adding the banner, the owner said they’ve received more than 500 hateful messages and comments from customers by phone and across social media. Marquez shared, "A lot of people are saying: four-letter words you lost my business, thank you for posting this, I appreciate what a racist would announce themselves. I won’t be spending money in your establishment—I’ll let everyone know now to give money to support a convicted felon."
Support from Customers
Despite the backlash, Marquez said longtime customers cut ties with them and cancelled catering orders. However, the owner is overwhelmed and thankful for the support from customers from both sides of the aisles, saying, "I’ve spoken to many of these people over the past six years and they never have called me a racist, a woman-hating pig, but when I put that sign up all of a sudden, that’s what people said. I think people know our true hearts and that’s why they’re supporting us."
Business Booms
The owner said business is up almost 50% since putting up the banner. Customers from different suburbs have been showing their support after hearing about the hate messages. "A lot of times people feel they have to be silent," said first-time customer Jasmine Dolce. "They can’t support who they want to support, and they went out there and they put themselves out there and I’m really glad they did." "That’s a big swing with a business to kind of take a side," said another first-time customer, Bianca Stone. "But I realize that they’re also part of the silent majority."
Conclusion
The owner doesn’t regret his decision and believes that everyone is entitled to their opinions. "Everyone can agree to disagree, that’s a phrase that seems like it’s gone out of the window," he said. "But whether you agree politically or even religiously with what I said, everyone’s entitled to their opinions and that’s what we think and we’re proud to say it."
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did the owner put up the banner?
A: The owner put up the banner to express their support for President-elect Donald Trump and their faith.
Q: What was the reaction from customers?
A: The reaction was mixed, with some customers showing their support and others expressing their disapproval and sending hateful messages.
Q: Has business been affected?
A: Yes, business has been affected, with some longtime customers cutting ties with the restaurant and cancelling catering orders. However, the owner has also received an influx of new customers showing their support.
Q: Will the owner continue to display the banner?
A: The owner has no plans to remove the banner, stating that everyone is entitled to their opinions and that he’s proud to express his.
