Chef Don Studvent, a Black business owner in Detroit, Michigan, is under fire for catering an event for Donald Trump's son. His 7-year old restaurant, the 1917 American Bistro, serves well-prepared dishes ranging from grilled shrimp, salmon and chicken to blackened or deep-fried catfish. But they are facing a potential boycott by other African Americans and other protestors against Donald Trump's presidency.
What's the big deal?
Studvent was reportedly just returning to the event to pick up his pots and pans when he got caught in a photo-op. His picture taken with Trump's son ended up all over Facebook, and people started reacting in a way that was never expected. People began accusing him of "selling out" and postings on Facebook started to appear calling for people to boycott his restaurant and catering service.
Business is business... right?
Studvent believes that "business is business" and has nothing to do with politics, bu the public has turned the event into a political issue. They are saying that because of Trump's rocky relationship with the Black community, no Black-owned business should do business with him or his family members. But Studvent has explained that he doesn't take political sides when it comes to his business. “This is my living,” he said. “And it’s not just my living, my employees as well.” The bad publicity has left Studvent's restaurant almost empty lately. He is hoping that it all blows over soon, and that he gets his former customers back. He says that the whole thing is unfair, and very hurtful to his company and his employees. “I don’t deserve this crap," Studvent told WYYZ.com.
“There is personal and there is business, it should always be separate,” said Studvent. “Business-wise I can’t take sides. I just can’t.”
While Studvent saw the situation as cut-and-dry, others were up in arms. But Studvent has explained that he doesn’t take political sides when it comes to his business. “This is my living,” he said. “And it’s not just my living, my employees as well.”
As more people began to boycott the restaurant Studvent quicky changed his position on the issue telling one news site that “One thing is that I’m not a sellout. I believe in community. I love black, I live black, I love black culture, I love black heritage, and I’ll do my best not to punch anyone in the face who says otherwise.”
“I do have regrets,” Studvent adds, pointing to catering Trump Jr.’s visit. “You can’t say that politics doesn’t have a place in business because it affects your business.”
It’s a hard lesson in branding, Studvent says, but he readily admits he doesn’t know much about branding to begin with. “I don’t want people to know Chef Don – I want people to know 1917 American Bistro.
“I definitely would not have done the catering, and I definitely would not have taken the picture,” he says. “I am not a Trump supporter.”