Steak ‘n Shake’s New Political Makeover: Can Beef Tallow Fries Really Save the Chain?
Steak ‘n Shake’s New Political Makeover: Can Beef Tallow Fries Really Save the Chain?
Fast food and politics? Yep, Steak ‘n Shake is mixing both in a bold (and maybe desperate) move to stay relevant. The chain is now frying its famous shoestring fries in beef tallow and swapping out soda sweeteners for cane sugar—changes that have conservatives cheering but health experts rolling their eyes.
But here’s the real question: Will this save a struggling burger chain, or is it just a short-term stunt?
Why the Sudden Change?
Steak ‘n Shake has been in trouble for years—200 locations closed since 2018, and customer visits keep dropping. But in a surprising twist, sales actually went up by 3.9% recently. How?
By tapping into the MAGA crowd.
The chain’s new ads feel more like political rallies than burger commercials, with slogans like “We RFK’d our fries!”—a nod to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the anti-vaxxer health official who loves beef tallow as much as he hates vaccines.
Is Beef Tallow Actually Healthier?
Let’s be real: Fries are still fries. Sure, beef tallow makes them crispier and tastier (chefs swear by it), and cane sugar might be less processed than corn syrup. But loading up on 2,000-calorie meals won’t magically make fast food healthy—no matter what RFK Jr. says on Fox News.
The MAGA Premium: Paying Extra for Politics
Here’s the catch: These changes aren’t cheap. Switching to beef tallow raised food costs, meaning higher prices for customers. But for some, it’s worth paying extra to “own the libs” with every bite.
The problem? This strategy only works short-term. Once the political hype fades, Steak ‘n Shake could be right back where it started—another forgotten fast-food chain in a crowded market.
What’s Next for Steak ‘n Shake?
The chain is betting big on culture wars over burgers, but will it last? Probably not.
Short-term win? Sure—MAGA fans are flocking in.
Long-term survival? Doubtful. When the trend fades, will anyone still care about tallow fries?
Final Thought
Steak ‘n Shake used to be about late-night shakes and greasy burgers—not politics. Maybe it’s time to get back to basics before it’s too late.
Sources:
