A burger restaurant themed around former President Donald Trump, known as Trump Burger, has closed its doors in Houston, Texas, after its owner was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The establishment operated for only five months before ceasing operations due to legal challenges. It has now been replaced by a new eatery, Empire Pizza, though it remains unclear if the pizza restaurant is currently open to customers.
The closure of Trump Burger follows the arrest of its Lebanese owner, Roland Beainy, who was apprehended by ICE on May 16, 2025. Reports indicate that Beainy overstayed his visa, which was set to expire on February 12, 2024. His burger chain, marketed as “a patriotic haven for burger lovers,” featured hamburgers stamped with the name “Trump.” All of Beainy’s Trump-themed restaurants have now closed.
According to a spokesperson from ICE, Beainy did not possess any immigration benefits that would have protected him from arrest or removal from the United States. The agency clarified that Beainy was considered an illegal alien after entering the country in 2019 as a non-immigrant visitor. “Despite false claims to the contrary, Roland Mehrez Beainy does not have any immigration benefits that prevented his arrest or removal from the United States,” the spokesperson stated.
ICE emphasized its commitment to enforcing immigration laws regardless of an individual’s profession or political beliefs. “Under the current administration, ICE is committed to restoring integrity to our nation’s immigration system by holding all individuals accountable who illegally enter the country or overstay the terms of their admission,” the statement added.
In addition to his legal troubles with immigration authorities, Beainy faced a lawsuit from the landlord of the property housing his Kemah Trump Burger location. The landlord alleged that Beainy had breached his lease agreement and owed nearly $40,000 in unpaid rent, as reported by local news outlet KHOU 11.
The shift from Trump Burger to Empire Pizza marks a significant change in the culinary landscape of Houston. As the new restaurant takes over the space, the community may look forward to a different dining experience, moving away from the political themes that characterized its predecessor. The future of Empire Pizza remains uncertain as it navigates the transition into the local market.
