In a nod to his American customers, Ramsay hinted that the restaurant might offer a special hot dog to honor the “American classics,” which he once famously criticized. “I never thought I’d say this,” Ramsay admitted, “but after all, when in Rome… or in Texas.”
Taking a page from recent “red-state-only” tours by other entertainers, Ramsay and Shaq’s restaurants will only open in states that voted Republican. The pair explained this as a strategic choice. “It’s about bringing good food to places that want a break from the noise,” Shaq explained. “We know our audience, and we’re making it easy for them to enjoy themselves without a lecture on the side.”
The first True Grit Grub locations are slated to open in Texas, Florida, and Alabama, with plans to expand across other conservative strongholds if the concept proves successful. By keeping the restaurants in red states only, Ramsay and Shaq are banking on what they describe as “an underserved market” of Americans looking for high-quality food without the added social commentary.
Ramsay, true to his style, didn’t mince words about this choice. “There’s enough ‘safe spaces’ for people on every corner of the country,” he said. “Now we’re giving one to the other side. I want people to come in, sit down, and enjoy their meal without feeling like they’re being grilled for what they think.”
Ramsay’s culinary expertise and Shaq’s love of hearty, all-American fare are set to combine in a menu that’s all about flavor and nostalgia. Expect Ramsay’s famed Beef Wellington, but with a bourbon-infused twist for the American audience. And, of course, there will be Shaq’s Fried Chicken, served in oversized portions and guaranteed to make you forget about calorie counting.
The Big Shaq Burger – A towering double-patty burger with all the classic toppings, no vegan substitutes available.
Ramsay’s Roadhouse Mac & Cheese – Mac and cheese with a “kick,” featuring three types of cheese and topped with fried jalapeños.
BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf – Ramsay’s twist on an American classic, wrapped in bacon and slathered in a smoky BBQ sauce.
All-American Apple Pie Sundae – A dessert mash-up featuring warm apple pie topped with a heaping scoop of vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce.
In true Ramsay style, servers are encouraged to be “direct” with customers but to “keep the politics out of it.” Ramsay commented, “If you want your mac and cheese without a kick, you can go somewhere else.”
