A Houston eatery known for its Trump-themed burgers has closed its doors following legal troubles surrounding its owner. The establishment, named Trump Burger, was operational for just over five months before ceasing operations after the arrest of its owner, Roland Beainy, by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The restaurant, located in Houston, Texas, has now been replaced by a new establishment, Empire Pizza. Reports from local news outlet KHOU 11 indicate that signage for the pizza joint has appeared on the former Trump Burger location, although it is unclear if it is open to customers yet.
Legal Challenges Lead to Closure
Trump Burger closed in October 2025, following a series of legal battles that began with Beainy’s arrest on May 16, 2025. Agents from ICE detained him after it was determined that he overstayed his visa, which was originally set to expire on February 12, 2024. According to an ICE spokesperson, Beainy had no immigration benefits that would prevent his arrest or removal from the United States.
The spokesperson specifically stated, “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.” Beainy, a 28-year-old from Lebanon, entered the U.S. in 2019 as a non-immigrant visitor but failed to comply with the terms of his admission.
Financial Repercussions for Beainy
In addition to immigration issues, Beainy faced financial troubles. The landlord of another location, Kemah Trump Burger, has filed a lawsuit against him, claiming that he breached the lease agreement and owes nearly $40,000 in back rent.
The closure of Trump Burger marks the end of a venture that was marketed as “a patriotic haven for burger lovers,” featuring hamburgers stamped with the name of former President Donald Trump. The restaurant’s theme, while initially a draw for some, ultimately could not shield it from the broader legal challenges faced by Beainy.
ICE has emphasized its commitment to enforcing immigration laws, stating that all individuals who enter the U.S. illegally or overstay their visas will be held accountable. The agency stated, “This is true regardless of what restaurant you own or political beliefs you might have.”
The swift transition from Trump Burger to Empire Pizza reflects the changing landscape of local dining options in Houston and underscores the impact of immigration enforcement on small businesses. As the community adapts to this change, it remains to be seen how the new pizza restaurant will fare in a competitive market.
