A beloved taco chain is facing a significant boycott campaign after woke activists discovered its Latino CEO is a vocal supporter of the MAGA movement. The controversy centers on Roberto's Taco Shop, a West Coast franchise with deep roots in the Mexican-American community.
CEO's Political Leanings Spark Outrage
The backlash erupted when TikTok user @harrie835, who describes herself as dedicated to exposing Latino MAGA businesses, highlighted CEO Reynaldo Obledo's political affiliations. Obledo has met Donald Trump on multiple occasions, including at a 'Latinos for Trump' Roundtable in Las Vegas in 2020, and frequently engages with the former president's social media content.
This revelation has ignited fury among customers who argue that supporting a political movement they view as anti-immigrant contradicts the chain's heritage. Roberto's was founded by Obledo's parents in San Diego in 1964 and has grown to 49 franchise locations, all serving Mexican-inspired dishes.
TikTok Video Fuels Online Fury
In her viral video, @harrie835 passionately questioned how Obledo could back an administration she claims harms immigrants, given that his business profits from Mexican cuisine. "Did this CEO forget that all of his restaurants are based on Mexican dishes, which wouldn't have made it here without the immigrants that are currently being affected by the current administration that you are supporting?" she demanded.
The response was swift and severe. Many social media users vowed to never patronize Roberto's again, expressing disappointment and betrayal. Comments ranged from "As a Nevada local, this is really depressing" to others lamenting the loss of a favorite eatery.
Chain Attempts Damage Control
In response to the growing uproar, Roberto's issued a statement attempting to distance the brand from Obledo's personal views. The company emphasized its pride in being Latino-owned and serving diverse communities, while noting that each franchise operates independently.
However, @harrie835 remained unconvinced, arguing that supporting MAGA sends a clear message about values, especially when catering to immigrant communities. The debate continues to rage online, with no resolution in sight.
The Daily Mail has reached out to Roberto's Taco Shop for further comment, but the chain's future customer base may hinge on how it navigates this politically charged storm.
