Steak ‘n Shake follows Camping World, other businesses with colossal flag displays

Steak ‘n Shake recently began displaying giant American flags in its stores as many businesses embrace patriotic themes.

The chain announced last week that it would install Stars and Stripes at locations across the United States. Flags will be as large as possible and will also comply with local regulations.

“Flag installations have begun at Steak ‘n Shake,” the company said in an X post. “Every Steak ‘n Shake receives the tallest and largest American flag permitted by local governments! Steak ‘n Shake proudly supports American values ​​and traditions.”

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Fox News Digital reached out to Steak ‘n Shake for comment on the initiative but did not immediately hear back.

The move joins Steak ‘n Shake among other businesses embracing patriotic displays.

Camping World, a nationwide retail chain, began hanging giant American flags at its locations in 2014 to honor veterans.

The flags are placed on poles ranging from 30 x 60 feet to 40 x 80 feet and up to 130 feet high, according to the company’s website.

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“A large percentage of our employees, as well as our customers, are veterans, and we want to honor them for their dedication to our country and local communities,” CEO Marcus Lemonis said at the time.

“By making this proud statement, our goal is to bring local communities together to celebrate everything veterans have accomplished for our country.”

Doggett Ford, a car dealership in Beaumont, Texas, also sports a large American flag. The website states that the 130-foot pole was added on August 4, 2020.

“After some careful maneuvering, the pole was secured in front of the dealership building and we raised our 80ft x 40ft US flag for all to see,” according to the site. “Next time you’re driving on I-45 North, look around and you’ll see him waving proudly!”

“From a branding perspective, it’s a bold move to stand out at a time when many companies are avoiding clear cultural signals.”

Acuity Insurance, headquartered in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, has a 120-foot flagpole visible on Interstate 43 between Milwaukee and Green Bay.

The company’s website states that the 9,800-square-foot flag weighs 250 pounds.

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“The 70 x 140 foot flag is the world’s tallest symbol of freedom,” the site says. “Flags are taken down at the first sign of wear, such as tearing at the seams. A professional tailor uses an industrial-grade sewing machine available at Acuity to make repairs.”

Wayne Robinson, a Steak ‘n Shake franchise owner in Rome, Georgia, told Fox News Digital that his restaurant has had a large American flag since he built it in 2006.

The 12 x 25 flag flies on a 40 meter high pole.

Camping World began flying oversized American flags in its stores in 2014, inspiring similar displays from other businesses. (Los Angeles Daily News via Hans Gutknecht/MediaNews Group/Getty Images)

Steak ‘n Shake not only makes good friends with big flags, but also wins the appreciation of its target audience.

David Johnson, CEO of Strategic Vision PR Group, told Fox News Digital that Steak ‘n Shake’s move is an example of how brands are reading the national mood.

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Johnson said the display of large American flags was “empowering.” [Steak ‘n Shakes’] alignment with [conservative] values, strengthens the emotional bond with its target audience and differentiates itself from its competitors.”

He added: “This strategy not only underlines a commitment to patriotism, but also clearly signals the intention to appeal to a specific segment of the market.”

Branding expert Crystal Gorges echoed Johnson’s thoughts, noting that Steak ‘n Shake “has a long history as a classic American roadside brand.”

Wayne Robinson, a Steak ‘n Shake franchise owner in Rome, Georgia, says he’s had a large American flag flying at his restaurant since 2006. Shown here. (Wayne Robinson)

“Flying big flags is a simple but powerful way to remind people of this heritage,” he told Fox News Digital. “From a branding perspective, it’s a bold move to stand out at a time when many companies are avoiding clear cultural signals.”

He added: “Of course, when a company makes such a visible statement, it has to be sincere for customers to embrace it.”

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“Steak ‘n Shake has shown it can back its symbolism with action, from maintaining classic restaurant style to leaning into heritage menu items that keep the brand’s story alive.”

The chain’s announcement went viral and attracted attention from both sides of the political arena. One X user called it a “great marketing tactic.”

The restaurant chain’s flag distribution reflects its effort to connect with customers through patriotic imagery and classic American themes. (Watson/AFP via Getty Images)

“I’ve never been inside a Steak ‘n Shake and carrying a big American flag won’t get me in there,” the person in question wrote. “The MAGA idiot masses will flock there.”

“I love a good American flag. But if Steak ‘n Shake is going full MAGA, I’m done with them,” another person said.

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A third user wrote: “Kind of sad to find out that Steak ‘n Shake is Maga. Oh they had really good food.”

But the vast majority of reactions to the flag were positive, drawing praise from some of the largest conservative-leaning accounts on X.

“Make sure you patronize organizations that proudly proclaim their love for America.”

“I’ll order from there tomorrow!” wrote Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Actor James Woods said the chain “sets a great example for all of us.”

“Make sure you patronize organizations that proudly proclaim their love for America,” he added.

Some social media users accused Steak ‘n Shake of complying with MAGA policies after announcing the flag’s launch. (iStock)

The flag installation is the company’s latest marketing move as the chain openly embraces more conservative messaging. Earlier this year, Steak ‘n Shake “RFK’ed” its fries by replacing the frying oil with beef tallow.

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Fox News Digital’s Sophia Compton contributed to this report.