From Nation's Restaurant News · · 1m 10s
The Cheesecake Factory, Yum Brands, and Raising Cane’s
Former President Obama’s Cheesecake Factory comment sparks political firestorm as Yum Brands boosts employee confidence.
In brief
Former President Obama’s Cheesecake Factory comment sparks political firestorm as Yum Brands boosts employee confidence. Former President Obama’s Cheesecake Factory remark triggered political backlash, while Yum Brands’ employee program expanded to 4,000 workers. Originally reported by Nation's Restaurant News.
Political Firestorm
Former President Obama’s comment about Trump’s White House resembling a Cheesecake Factory went viral online.
“trump’s "got the white house looking like sadam hussein opened a cheesecake factory"”
Yum Brands' Breakthrough Program
Yum Brands launched Breakthrough to reach 4,000 employees across brands and markets.
“breakthrough aims to bolster company culture and equip employees with common language”
Cheesecake Factory's Silence
The Cheesecake Factory did not post on social media for a week after Obama’s comment.
“the cheesecake factory chose to sit this one out”
Raising Cane’s Expansion
Raising Cane’s plans 12 new restaurant openings in November, nearly doubling October’s pace.
“raising cane’s is expecting a busy november with 12 new restaurant openings”
Unit Growth
Raising Cane’s achieved 10.3% year-over-year unit count growth in 2025.
“10.3 percent increase in unit count growth year-over-year”
Founder's Goal
Raising Cane’s founder Todd Graves aims to become a top 10 restaurant brand in the U.S.
“founder todd graves has stated that his goal is to become a top 10 restaurant brand in the u.s.”
Political Backlash
Obama responded to Trump’s comment by noting many Americans can’t afford to go out to eat.
“you’d think the administration would spend more time worrying about the fact that many americans can’t afford to go out to eat”
AI-Generated Response
White House created AI-generated images of Trump at a Cheesecake Factory.
“white house created ai-generated images of trump in front of a cheesecake factory”
Employee Impact
Breakthrough program helped employees build confidence and work more effectively.
“participants said it has helped them build confidence, work more effectively together, and accelerate big projects”
The takeaway
Former President Obama’s Cheesecake Factory remark triggered political backlash, while Yum Brands’ employee program expanded to 4,000 workers.
