Taco chain hit with boycott as MAGA CEO's Trump posts emerge: 'We vote with our wallets'
Roberto's Taco Shop was facing a social media firestorm on Monday after accusations surfaced that CEO Reynaldo Robledo is a staunch Trump supporter — and furious customers demanded a boycott.
The controversy ignited after TikTok creator @harrie385, who exposes "Latino MAGA businesses," posted a viral video highlighting pro-Trump posts allegedly made by Robledo on Facebook, SFGate reported. The clip racked up over 76,000 views and sparked a frenzy of angry comments.
The timing couldn't be worse.
The beloved chain, credited with inventing the California burrito, has 80 locations across California, Nevada, and Texas. The company has now become a lightning rod for accusations of hypocrisy.
"Did this CEO forget that all of his restaurants are based on Mexican dishes, who wouldn't have made it here without the immigrants?" the TikTok video pointedly asked.
Now, a Facebook group called "A Strong Nevada" was rallying supporters to ditch Roberto's entirely. "Reynaldo Robledo, the CEO of Roberto's Taco Shop is a huge MAGA supporter and supports ICE!" the group stated, calling for a full boycott.
A 2020 transcript reveals Robledo met with Trump at a "Latinos for Trump" roundtable, gushing: "We love the work you're doing. We love what you've done for us." He claimed it was their third meeting.
The Nevada franchise quickly scrambled for damage control, insisting the CEO's personal beliefs don't reflect the company's values.
"Each of our 49 franchisees operate independently," the company pleaded with fans on Instagram.
But angry customers didn't buy it.
"We vote with our wallets," one Instagram commenter fumed. "I won't be back."