Owner of Famed L.A. Restaurant Faces Backlash
Introduction to the Controversy
A premier Los Angeles restaurant is facing intense online backlash after one of its owners appeared to voice his and his wife’s support for Elon Musk in an article in the New York Times. Walter Manzke, who owns République with his wife, Margarita Manzke, was quoted in the article about the Tesla café that Musk plans to open on Santa Monica Boulevard saying the idea for a restaurant that offers a diner, Tesla charging stations and a movie theater “sounds exciting.”
The Comments That Sparked Outrage
He also noted his wife is a fan of Musk. “She told me the other day that she wants to buy a Tesla, so I can tell you what side she’s on,” Manzke said. The comments in the article, which published Friday, polarized République patrons who have strong opinions about Musk, the world’s richest man, who leads President Trump’s advisory team that he calls the Department of Government Efficiency.
Response from République
The day the article came out, the restaurant posted on Instagram denying the statement implied political support for Musk. “At République, we believe in focusing on what we do best—creating exceptional food and a welcoming experience for all our guests,” they wrote. “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 post was taken down shortly after.
About République and Its Standing
République is a mainstay of the Los Angeles dining scene, a French bistro routinely topping “best of” lists. The restaurant has routinely ranked in the top 10 in the Los Angeles Times’ “101 Best Restaurants” list since it opened in Hancock Park in 2014. Walter Manzke did not immediately respond to a request for comment, and Margarita Manzke declined to comment when reached by The Times.
Elon Musk’s Tesla Café Plans
Musk began planning the Tesla café in 2022, when his company first submitted documents to the city of Los Angeles for a diner that would operate 24 hours a day in Hollywood.
Conclusion
The incident highlights the challenges businesses face in navigating political sensitivities and the importance of clarifying statements to avoid misinterpretation. République’s attempt to distance itself from political affiliations underscores the delicate balance between personal opinions and professional neutrality in the public eye.
FAQs
Q: What sparked the backlash against République?
A: The backlash was sparked by comments made by Walter Manzke, one of the owners, in support of Elon Musk and his Tesla café idea in a New York Times article.
Q: Did République officially endorse Elon Musk or his political views?
A: No, République clarified through an Instagram post that the comments were not meant as a political endorsement but rather a discussion about exploring electric vehicle options.
Q: What is the status of Elon Musk’s Tesla café project?
A: The project was first proposed in 2022 with plans for a 24-hour diner in Hollywood, but the current status of the project is not specified in the available information.
Q: How has République been received in the Los Angeles dining scene?
A: République is highly regarded, frequently ranking in the top 10 of the Los Angeles Times’ “101 Best Restaurants” list since its opening in 2014.
