Introduction to Steak ‘n Shake’s New Direction
Over a double cheeseburger and fries, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told Fox News host Sean Hannity earlier this month of his plans to improve the country’s health by incentivizing companies to step away from processed foods. From across the red high-top table of a Florida Steak ’n Shake, the health and human services secretary went on to praise the Indianapolis-based fast-food chain as a shining example of change since it began cooking its shoestring fries in beef tallow instead of one of the many seed oils that have become targets of Kennedy’s health agenda.
Steak ‘n Shake’s Endorsement of Kennedy’s Agenda
“Steak ’n Shake has been great,” Kennedy said. “We’re very grateful to them for RFK’ing the french fries.” The nationally televised praise marked the latest conservative endorsement for Steak ’n Shake, a 91-year-old company with 450 locations nationwide that has become one of the most high-profile businesses to support Kennedy’s “Make America Healthy Again” agenda — a move that has been boosted by Republican politicians and MAGA influencers including Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, Charlie Kirk, Laura Loomer, Kari Lake, Tony Shaffer, and Benny Johnson.
Reaction from Other Politicians
“I just had a cheeseburger and fries cooked in beef tallow today for lunch! Delicious!!” Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., wrote on X. At a time when many companies might be looking to avoid politics, Steak ’n Shake is opting to publicly align itself with Kennedy and other high-profile conservatives. On social media, the brand has transformed its feed from the usual stream of burgers and shakes into a near nonstop stream of Trump-adjacent iconography: Elon Musk, Teslas, Fox News clips, and even a red hat emblazoned with the words “Make Frying Oil Tallow Again,” a version of which is available for purchase on Kennedy’s MAHA merchandise website.
The Company’s Perspective
The company has not publicly embraced Trump or any of his policies but has been full-throated in its embrace of Kennedy. “We support MAHA,” Steak ’n Shake Chief Operations Officer Dan Edwards told NBC News last week. “Restaurant chains like ours would like to meet customer demand for better quality.” Edwards said support for the company is “across the political spectrum” and that “there is nothing political about great-tasting fries.” He did not answer specifically whether the company had any fears about alienating customers who do not support Kennedy’s MAHA agenda or Trump.
Controversy Surrounding Seed Oils
Politics aside, Steak ’n Shake’s choice to focus on seed oils comes with its own controversy. The MAHA agenda, helmed by Kennedy, features several health-focused concerns of questionable veracity, including skepticism of the food and drug industry, fluoride in water, and vaccines. Seed oils have also long been a target of unfounded theories about negative health impacts, some of which Kenney has touted, calling them “one of the most unhealthy ingredients we have in foods.” Health experts have sought to counter those claims, noting that replacing seed oils with saturated fats offers little to no dietary benefit and can end up doing harm.
Expert Opinion
Maya Vadiveloo, an associate professor at the University of Rhode Island who specializes in nutrition, said it is “well established that saturated fats are linked to an increased risk of heart disease, while vegetable oils, including oils from seeds, protect heart health.” Edwards said that while the burger brand supports Kennedy’s MAHA movement, Steak ’n Shake CEO Sardar Biglari, who acquired the company in 2008, has been trying to move to beef tallow for some time.
Conclusion
Steak ’n Shake’s shift towards supporting Kennedy’s MAHA agenda and away from seed oils marks a significant change in the company’s public identity. While the move has been praised by some conservatives, it has also been met with controversy and criticism from health experts. As the company continues to navigate its new direction, it remains to be seen how customers will respond to the changes.
FAQs
Q: What is Steak ‘n Shake’s stance on seed oils?
A: Steak ’n Shake has begun cooking its shoestring fries in beef tallow instead of seed oils, in support of Kennedy’s MAHA agenda.
Q: Has Steak ‘n Shake publicly endorsed Trump or his policies?
A: No, the company has not publicly endorsed Trump or any of his policies, but has been full-throated in its embrace of Kennedy and his MAHA agenda.
Q: What do health experts say about the health impacts of seed oils?
A: Health experts say that replacing seed oils with saturated fats offers little to no dietary benefit and can end up doing harm, as saturated fats are linked to an increased risk of heart disease, while vegetable oils, including oils from seeds, protect heart health.
Q: How has Steak ‘n Shake’s social media presence changed?
A: The brand has transformed its feed from the usual stream of burgers and shakes into a near nonstop stream of Trump-adjacent iconography, including Elon Musk, Teslas, and Fox News clips.
Q: What is the potential risk of Steak ‘n Shake alienating customers who do not support Kennedy’s MAHA agenda or Trump?
A: While Edwards did not answer this question directly, the company’s shift towards supporting Kennedy’s MAHA agenda may potentially alienate some customers who do not support the agenda or Trump.
