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After scaring away customers, Trump's MAGA tries to save the restaurant


After scaring away customers, Trump's MAGA tries to save the restaurant

A Florida restaurant set to close has changed course after supporters of former President Trump rallied in their support.

Harry and the Natives, a Treasure Coast restaurant, announced last week that it would close its Hope Sound location on Oct. 12. However, in recent days it has confirmed that it will remain open after making some changes and introducing a new menu, Treasure Coast Newspapers reported.

Local news station WPTV News reported last week that owner Harry MacArthur cited rising costs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic as one reason for the closure. He also cited a decline in customers as a result of the pandemic, according to the outlet.

The outlet noted that some social media users said MacArthur's political stances made them uncomfortable returning to his restaurant. The outlet reported that the restaurant featured political parephenila that showed support for Trump and other Republicans, including Gov. Ron DeSantis.

When the outlet asked whether his political stance had anything to do with the decline in guests, MacArthur replied, “Possibly.”

“Now we’re taking everything away from this country,” MacArthur told the outlet. “When people don’t have an opinion. What kind of man is he? You know what, that's pretty much a spineless person, and who wants to be a spineless person? It’s a snake.”

However, after days of outreach from the community and Republicans, including Trump, the restaurants said they would try to stay open. A GoFundMe fundraiser for the restaurant has so far raised about $21,000.

The restaurant received national attention when “Fox & Friends” host Steve Doocy spoke with MacArthur at the restaurant Friday morning. Doocy interviewed MacArthur in the restaurant while guests sat in the background, many of them wearing MAGA clothing.

“Fox & Friends” then played a clip of the former president urging people to help MacArthur stay open.

“I would like to ask everyone to pitch in and help save Harry and the natives. It's a special restaurant, a very special place. People love it. He's been around for a long time, a very long time, but he's falling victim to Kamala Harris and Joe Biden. The economy isn't doing great and we're going to go out and work with Steve Doocy, who loves this place. He absolutely loves it. He considers it one of the best, perhaps the best, and he doesn't want it to disappear. And neither do I,” Trump said.

“We have to keep the good ones open, especially when it comes to Florida. Florida is a very, very special place and this is a very, very great restaurant. So Harry and the natives, keep it up. We love it and you will be with us for a long time,” he continued.

The crowd at the restaurant erupted in cheers and chants of “Trump” after hearing the former president’s message.

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