The chef and owner of a prominent gourmet restaurant in Los Angeles is under fire for a quote he gave the New York Times indicating his support for Elon Musk.
Musk, the owner of Tesla, SpaceX and other companies, has partnered with President Donald Trump to increase “government efficiency” and reduce the nation’s expenses. His critics, however, argue that the sweeping cuts are gutting valuable federal agencies and are being undertaken in a haphazard fashion.
Given his prominent role in Republican politics, Musk’s planned Tesla charging station, diner and drive-in theater under construction on Santa Monica Boulevard in Hollywood
The New York Times on Friday detailed the shift in perception of Musk’s “futuristic diner,” which he previously described as “Grease meets The Jetsons with Supercharging.” Musk also noted that the project would be completed in late 2023, a deadline that was not met.
While Musk’s conservative politics might deter many potential business partners in liberal Los Angeles, Walter Manzke of République in Hancock Park expressed excitement on behalf of himself and his wife and business partner, Margarita.
“She told me the other day that she wants to buy a Tesla, so I can tell you what side she’s on,” he told the Times.
The backlash prompted the restaurant to share a statement of clarification on Friday, but as of Monday, it appears that Instagram post has been deleted.
“At République, we believe in focusing on what we do best—creating exceptional food and a welcoming experience for all our guests,” the statement said. “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.”
