Many have criticized Donald Trump’s shift to working at McDonald’s, yet celebrity chef Andrew Gruel has commended the former president for drawing attention to a vital and often overlooked role in the food industry: the fry cook. Gruel, appearing on “Varney & Co.,” highlighted how the fry cook’s position is frequently underestimated compared to others in the restaurant, such as the front-of-house staff, bartenders, and chefs. He pointed out that it’s challenging, noting that fry cooks often end their shifts smelling like french fries and expressing that his children enjoy this aspect.
Gruel emphasized the importance of acknowledging the contributions of fry cooks and praised Trump’s campaign for showcasing this role. He regarded the McDonald’s event as beneficial for Trump’s campaign, noting it brought humor and humility, despite being staged, and commending it as a successful campaign stop.
Host Stuart Varney supported Gruel’s perspective, labeling Trump’s visit to McDonald’s as a “political success.” During another campaign stop in Zebulon, Georgia, Trump criticized the Biden administration for rising food costs, attributing them to increased energy prices. He stated that under his leadership, energy costs would decrease, which he argued would subsequently lower the cost of goods.
Reflecting on the current political climate, Gruel expressed concerns shared by many restaurateurs regarding rising costs under the Biden-Harris administration. He observed that these costs have adversely affected the industry, causing many restaurants to close. Comparing previous and current administrations, Gruel indicated a preference within the restaurant industry for the economic conditions under Trump’s leadership, where he claimed the cost of goods was lower and business opportunities more abundant.
