Texas Burger Restaurant Faces Backlash Over Controversial Sign

Austin, Texas (January 1, 2016) — A popular burger joint in the heart of Texas found itself in hot water on the first day of the new year, all because of a sign that rubbed a lot of people the wrong way. The spot, a family-owned spot called Big Tex Burgers, put up a banner outside its Austin location that many deemed offensive. It read something like “Forget your diet—start 2016 with a bang and a burger!” but the backlash came from folks who saw it as mocking those trying to stick to their New Year’s resolutions.

The sign quickly went viral after a few customers snapped photos and shared them on social media, turning what might have been a harmless joke into a full-blown controversy. People accused the restaurant of being insensitive, especially at a time when health and fitness goals were top of mind for many. Comments poured in on Twitter and Facebook, with some calling it “body-shaming” and others pointing out that it didn’t sit well in a state already dealing with rising obesity rates. One local blogger even wrote that it felt like a cheap shot at people genuinely trying to improve their lives.

As the day went on, the backlash grew, with a handful of protesters showing up outside the restaurant that evening, holding signs of their own. Big Tex Burgers issued a statement late that night, apologizing for the unintended offense and saying they’d take the sign down immediately. The owners claimed it was just meant to be fun and lighthearted, but that didn’t stop the damage—online reviews tanked, and a few boycott threats circulated. It was a stark reminder of how quickly a simple marketing gimmick can backfire in the age of instant sharing.

In the end, this little dust-up in Austin highlighted the fine line businesses walk when trying to be clever. While not every joke lands, it’s always a good idea to think twice about who might feel hurt by it. Big Tex Burgers promised to be more careful moving forward, and honestly, that’s probably for the best. Who knew a burger sign could stir up so much fuss on New Year’s Day?