In a bold move that has taken the culinary and sports world by storm, celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay and NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal have teamed up to launch a chain of “Un-Woke” restaurants exclusively in red states. The duo’s new venture has already sparked widespread controversy and curiosity, drawing attention for its unique concept and outspoken stance on food and politics.

The new restaurant chain, which is expected to roll out across conservative-leaning states, aims to challenge the growing trend of politically correct and expensive dining experiences that have become increasingly popular in recent years. Ramsay and O’Neal have made it clear that their restaurants will focus on providing simple, affordable meals, with an emphasis on hearty, classic American comfort food. The goal? To bring back “the joy of eating without any pretentiousness,” according to O’Neal.

In their official announcement, the pair stated: “Our mission is to create a space where everyone can enjoy great food at prices that make sense. No political correctness. No overpriced menus. Just good food for good people.”

The decision to label the restaurant “Un-Woke” has stirred considerable debate. The term “woke” has been widely associated with social awareness movements, and some argue that it has seeped into many aspects of modern culture, including dining. Ramsay and O’Neal’s refusal to engage with these movements has drawn both praise and backlash. Critics argue that it could alienate potential customers who value inclusivity and diversity, while others applaud the pair for offering an alternative to what they see as an over-politicized dining scene.

Ramsay, known for his no-nonsense approach to both cooking and criticism, has said he’s simply tired of catering to what he sees as a “snowflake generation” in the restaurant industry. “It’s about time we put a stop to the nonsense,” Ramsay said. “People just want good food without being lectured. Let’s give it to them.”

The menu for these “Un-Woke” restaurants promises to be anything but fancy, focusing on affordable comfort food like burgers, fries, steaks, and BBQ—dishes designed to appeal to a wide audience without breaking the bank. With O’Neal’s background as a former NBA star, the restaurants will also feature portions that are hearty enough for even the biggest appetites.

Both Ramsay and O’Neal have stated that they are committed to keeping the prices low, ensuring that families and working-class individuals can afford a meal at any of their new locations. “Affordable dining should be a right, not a luxury,” said O’Neal, emphasizing that his goal was to create a welcoming environment for all patrons.

As expected, the announcement has generated a mixed response. Many fans of Ramsay’s and O’Neal’s personalities have voiced support for their initiative, praising the duo for their boldness and standing up against what they see as overly politically correct dining. Proponents argue that this move represents a refreshing change of pace from the increasingly complex and expensive dining trends.

On the other hand, some critics argue that the “Un-Woke” label could further divide people, drawing unnecessary political lines in an already polarized climate. There are concerns that the focus on “cheap food only” could diminish the quality of the dining experience and alienate customers who expect a higher standard from celebrity-backed restaurants.

Despite the controversy, Ramsay and O’Neal have expressed confidence in the success of their venture. Initial locations in Texas, Florida, and Tennessee are already in the works, with plans to expand to additional red states in the near future. They hope to capitalize on the growing demand for more straightforward, no-frills dining options in a world that is often seen as bogged down by excess and political correctness.

Will the “Un-Woke” restaurant chain become the next big thing in American dining, or will it fade into obscurity as another politically charged venture? Only time will tell. For now, Ramsay and O’Neal are enjoying the attention—and their mission to “feed America without the fuss” is certainly one to watch.