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After scaring off customers, Trump’s MAGA tries to save the restaurant
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After scaring off customers, Trump’s MAGA tries to save the restaurant

A Florida restaurant slated to close has changed course after supporters of former President Trump rallied to support it.

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

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

The outlet noted that some social media users said MacArthur’s political stance made them uncomfortable returning to his restaurant. The outlet reported that the restaurant had political parephenila expressing support for Trump and other Republicans, including Governor Ron DeSantis.

When the outlet asked if his political views had anything to do with the drop in guests, MacArthur said “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? That’s a snake.”

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

The restaurant has attracted national attention, with Fox & Friends host Steve Doocy speaking with MacArthur at this restaurant on Friday morning. Doocy interviewed MacArthur in the restaurant while guests sat in the background, many of them wearing MAGA gear.

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

“I would like to ask everyone to help and save Harry and the Natives. It is a special restaurant, a very special place. People love it. It’s been around for a long time, a really long time, but it’s falling prey to Kamala Harris and Joe Biden’s economy hasn’t been very good, and we’re going to go out and work with Steve Doocy, who loves this place. He absolutely loves it. He thinks it’s one of the best, maybe the best, and he doesn’t want to see it go away. And neither do I,” Trump said.

“We have to keep the good ones open, especially when it comes to Florida. Florida is a very special place, and that is a very, very good restaurant. So Harry and the Natives, keep up the good work. We love it and you will be around 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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