DINH DOONG

In a surprising twist for the culinary and entertainment worlds, celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay and former NBA star Shaquille O’Neal have announced a partnership to open a chain of “Un-Woke” restaurants exclusively in red states. The unlikely duo—Ramsay with his sharp tongue and fiery personality, and Shaq with his larger-than-life charisma—is set to bring a new dining experience that, as they say, “celebrates food without the politics.” Dubbed True Grit Grub, the chain aims to deliver high-quality meals without what they call the “side order of social justice.”

In their official statement, Ramsay and Shaq made their vision clear. “People are tired of being lectured, especially when all they want is a burger,” Ramsay said. “I love good food, I love flavor, and I don’t need a side of guilt or a sprinkle of judgment to enjoy it. True Grit Grub will be a space where people can just relax, enjoy the food, and not worry about being ‘on message’ for every bite.”

Shaq, known for his involvement in everything from fast-food franchises to icy-hot patches, was quick to echo Ramsay’s sentiments. “I’ve been in restaurants my whole life, and lately, it feels like you’re eating politics with every meal,” Shaq said. “We want to keep it simple—no agendas, just good food, good vibes, and maybe a little fried chicken.”

According to the pair, True Grit Grub will serve American classics with an upscale twist. The menu, described as “comfort food meets class,” will feature everything from Ramsay’s signature Beef Wellington to a fried chicken sandwich Shaq has personally endorsed as “the best in the business.” And of course, there will be Ramsay’s famous insults to keep things spicy in the kitchen—minus the lectures.

Unlike recent restaurant trends that lean into environmental activism, sustainable sourcing, and plant-based options, True Grit Grub is all about embracing a “traditional dining experience.” Ramsay, who has never shied away from blunt opinions, explained that the restaurant won’t be catering to “fancy” dietary restrictions or “politically correct” modifications.

“Look, if you want a gluten-free, dairy-free, low-carb, guilt-free experience, there are plenty of places for you,” Ramsay said. “But at True Grit Grub, we’re bringing back butter, bacon, and a healthy disrespect for dietary fads. We’re here to cook, not to coddle.”

The restaurant’s tagline, “Real Food for Real Americans,” has already started trending online, with supporters and critics alike weighing in. Red-state supporters are hailing the concept as a “breath of fresh air” in a culinary scene they feel has become overly political. “I’m just happy there’s a place I can go without needing a dictionary of pronouns for my server,” said one enthusiastic fan from Texas on social media.

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.”

The response on social media has been immediate and intense. Supporters of the concept are thrilled to see their values represented in a dining experience that’s “not afraid to be bold.” “I’m driving five hours just to eat at this place,” said one commenter from Mississippi. “It’s about time we had a restaurant that wasn’t catering to the woke mob.”

Critics, however, have been quick to label the concept as divisive. “Just because I care about the environment and inclusion doesn’t mean I don’t like good food,” one commenter tweeted. “This ‘red state-only’ gimmick feels like a slap in the face to anyone who wants a great meal without the culture war.”

Some fans have noted that Ramsay, as a British chef, brings an outsider’s perspective to America’s red-and-blue divide, but Ramsay remains undeterred. “I may be British, but I’m here to make food—not friends,” he responded cheekily. “And if you don’t like the flavor, there’s the door.”

For Shaquille O’Neal, this venture is as much about good times as it is about good food. “I’m a people person, and I just want to see people enjoying themselves,” Shaq said. “We’re giving fans a place to eat where they can laugh, relax, and not feel like they’re walking on eggshells. This is a place for everyone who’s felt like they didn’t fit into the ‘woke’ scene.”

O’Neal even joked that he might make appearances at some of the restaurants, promising to host occasional “Shaq Nights” where fans can meet him, take photos, and maybe even go head-to-head in a basketball-themed eating contest.

Industry insiders are already speculating about the future of True Grit Grub. While some believe the concept will thrive in conservative-leaning regions, others think it may struggle to find long-term success, given the current cultural climate. Still, Ramsay and Shaq seem confident that their “un-woke” approach will hit a chord with their target audience.

“Our motto is simple,” Ramsay said with a smirk. “Good food, no fuss. And if that offends anyone, well… they weren’t our customers to begin with.”

As for whether this restaurant chain could ever open its doors in blue states, both Ramsay and Shaq laughed. “Let’s start with the red states,” Shaq said. “If people in the blue states start craving a taste of freedom, maybe we’ll consider it.”