When BBQ Turns Political : Ted Cruz Stop at Hutchins Barbecue Sparks Outrage
- William Taylor
- Oct 5
- 4 min read
Photo of Texas senator sparks strong reactions across Frisco and McKinney community
Hutchins Barbecue, a popular dining spot with locations in Frisco and McKinney, is receiving sharp criticism on social media after posting a photo with Sen. Ted Cruz. The restaurant, known for its long-standing reputation as one of Texas’s top barbecue destinations, is now at the center of an online debate over politics and business.
The controversy began Sunday, when Hutchins shared an Instagram post thanking Cruz for stopping by. By Wednesday, hundreds of comments had appeared across the restaurant’s social media accounts, many expressing disappointment and pledging to stop visiting.
A Routine Visit Turns Controversial
The original post featured a photo of Cruz standing alongside Hutchins staff wearing the restaurant’s merchandise. The caption read, “Always an honor to serve our Texas community. Thanks to @sentedcruz for stopping by Hutchins BBQ! 🍖”
The image appeared intended as a simple acknowledgment of a prominent visitor. But for many followers, it quickly took on political weight. One Instagram user wrote, “Y’all know you don’t have to pose with the trash can, right?” Another added, “Will never support this business again.”
Others argued the restaurant had crossed into politics unnecessarily, “There wasn’t a business or financial need to post this… other than to show where they are aligned politically.”
Reactions From Frisco and Beyond
One Instagram user defended Hutchins, saying, “This post has zero political or social agenda, and yet they make it political and threaten to never eat at your fine establishment again. So sad. Stand strong and don’t worry, while their voices are loud — they’re the minority.” What might once have been a routine celebrity or politician photo has now become a flashpoint for public debate.
Silence From Hutchins Barbecue
As of Wednesday afternoon, Hutchins Barbecue had not issued a public statement addressing the backlash. The business did not immediately respond to media requests for comment.
This is not the first time restaurants in Texas have faced scrutiny for posting pictures with political associations. In recent years, eateries in Dallas, Austin, and Houston have also been thrust into controversy for hosting political figures or making donations. The Hutchins episode adds Frisco and McKinney to that growing list.
A Business With Deep Roots
Founded in 1978, Hutchins Barbecue has grown from a small family-run operation into one of North Texas’s most celebrated barbecue destinations. The brand’s brisket, ribs, and sausage have landed it on multiple “best of Texas” lists, including recognition by Texas Monthly.
In Frisco, where the population has more than doubled since 2010, Hutchins has been part of the community’s identity. The restaurant is often recommended to visitors and featured in food-focused tourism guides. For longtime residents, it represents both tradition and growth.
The Broader Picture: Business and Politics
While many restaurants host elected officials without fanfare, posting about such visits on social media now carries higher risk.
A 2023 survey by Edelman found that 63 percent of consumers globally say they buy or boycott based on a company’s stance on social issues. While the Hutchins post did not include political commentary, the decision to highlight Cruz’s visit was enough to spark perceptions of alignment.
Frisco, as one of the fastest-growing cities in America, offers a particularly vivid example of these dynamics. With a diverse population and a mix of long-term residents and newcomers, businesses often serve customers with a wide range of political and cultural perspectives.
Community Impact and Next Steps
The immediate impact of the controversy is visible online, but the longer-term effects remain unclear. Some customers may choose to quietly continue dining at Hutchins, while others may follow through on their pledges to stay away.
A formal statement clarifying intent, or simply continuing business as usual, could each shape the public’s perception. Silence might signal confidence in the brand’s resilience, but it may also leave room for speculation.
Looking Ahead
It remains to be seen whether the online criticism will have a lasting effect on Hutchins Barbecue’s customer base. For now, the business continues to operate as usual, with no sign that the controversy has disrupted day-to-day service.
As Frisco grows and diversifies, the response to this episode underscores the ways in which community values, politics, and local businesses intersect. For Hutchins, the coming weeks will be a test of whether its reputation for brisket and ribs outweighs the heat of online debate.
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