By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2025-03-24 05:41:32 | Updated at 2025-03-26 01:53:14
1 day ago
Liberal Californians have fiercely lashed out against a renowned Los Angeles restaurant after a co-owner praised Elon Musk's plans to open a Tesla diner.
Walter Manzke, co-owner of beloved French restaurant and bakery République, came under fire when he expressed enthusiasm about Musk's all-night Tesla diner opening on West Hollywood's Santa Monica Boulevard.
'It sounds exciting,' Walter told the New York Times, adding that his wife and co-owner Margarita said she wants to buy a Tesla. 'So I can tell you what side she's on.'
The brief statement sparked immense outrage among Musk-loathing Redditors, who devoted an entire thread to bashing the couple.
Hundreds of heated commenters chimed in to denounce the Manzkes under a post titled 'Looks like Republique is off my list.'
'What a moron,' one user said in response to Walter's sentiment. 'Why would you open your fat mouth and alienate at least half of your clientele?'
'That said, this will go unnoticed by the vast majority of people and likely won’t affect business at Republique at all.'
But others were not as confident that Walter's comment would be swept under the carpet.
Walter and Margarita Manzke have come under fire after Walter told the New York Times he was excited about Elon Musk's restaurant plans
Beloved French restaurant and bakery République is known for its fresh pastries, made by Margarita
Others declared they are 'definitely never going back' to the Michelin-starred establishment and said it is an 'easy boycott.'
Several of the comments came from people claiming to personally know - and dislike - the Manzkes.
'As someone in the industry, I won’t go to any Manzke establishment. They’re atrocious,' someone wrote.
Another person said: 'I worked for [Margarita] for a couple years.. she loves Trump. Voted for him the first time and was very proud of it.'
In an attempt to ease some of the social media tension, République posted an Instagram statement about Walter's New York Times quote.
The post reads: 'At République, we believe in focusing on what we do best - creating exceptional food and a welcoming experience for all our guests.
'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.'
Elon Musk has been building a 'Grease meets The Jetsons with Supercharging' diner in West Hollywood
Margarita 'loves Trump,' according to a Reddit user who claimed to have worked for the award-winning pastry chef
But instead of acting as damage control, this post only appeared to have added fuel to the fire.
One critic wrote: 'Not "taking a stance" against nazism, is supporting nazism...'
Another agreed: 'No kidding. I certainly don’t respect all viewpoints, that doesn’t mean what they think it does.
'If you respect an imperialistic, fascist and authoritarian government that is currently imprisoning people against our laws, halting programs that will lead to bankruptcy of its citizens and death, in some cases, to those we supported overseas, I don’t respect that.'
The New York Times article that catalyzed these harsh reactions was about the DOGE leader's 'retro-futuristic diner' being built up in Los Angeles.
Musk has spoken about these plans since 2018, when he posted about them on X, which was Twitter at the time.
In 2023, the tech mogul described his idea as 'Grease meets The Jetsons with Supercharging.'
It is unclear when exactly Musk's combination of a drive-in theater, charging stations and an eatery will open its doors.
Walter and Margarita posted a follow up statement to address the hate République has been receiving
A Reddit thread was created with the sole purpose of bashing the ritzy restaurant. Hundreds of Californians shared their thoughts
Chefs Walter and Margarita have owned several award-winning restaurants and bakeries.
Margarita also co-owns sixteen Wildflour Bakeries in the Philippines, which is where she is from.
But out of a string of high-end LA establishments over the years, only République remains after their other restaurants shuttered in 2023 and 2024.
Margarita, won the prestigious James Beard Award - known as the 'Oscars of the food world' - for Outstanding Pastry Chief for her work at the restaurant in 2023.
République is well known for its fresh pastries and historic location: the building was designed by filmmaker Charlie Chaplin in 1929.
The restaurant has been praised by fine-dining lovers as one of the best places to eat in LA.
One man wrote on Open Table: 'Republique is one of be most thoughtfully crafted restaurants in LA. Designed like a European Castle with modern lines, this cafe is unique and exquisite.'
