Did an Anti-Trump Boycott Help Shutter This D.C. Sandwich Chain? | Eater
"A Washington, D.C.–based sandwich chain that opened its first location in 2008 is closing dozens of stores across two cities and is rumored to be preparing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Signs of financial trouble surfaced in September when the company said it would terminate leases at three D.C.-area locations and focus on smaller storefronts; shortly after, two Chicago outlets less than a year old abruptly closed and the chain confirmed plans to shutter 17 more D.C. locations. Co-founder Casey Patten’s 2017 meeting with President Donald Trump—when he was photographed shaking the president’s hand—sparked heavy social-media backlash and customer boycotts that, according to reporting, coincided with an alleged 40% drop in sales; Patten said he is “apolitical” and attended to raise immigration and employment concerns affecting staff, and a spokesperson conceded the meeting “contributed” to a sales decline. For context, Barack Obama had been a regular at the shop near the White House during his presidency." - Brenna Houck
