Steak ‘n Shake plans to install the “tallest and biggest American flag” at all of its locations, including Tallahassee.
The state capital has two Steak ‘n Shake locations: 1459 Capital Circle NW and 3394 Capital Circle NE. No permits had been filed for new flagpoles as of Oct. 9 for either site.
There is no statewide maximum height mandated by the Florida Building Code, and a review of city and county ordinances shows there is no clear limit on flagpole height that applies uniformly to every commercial parcel. That suggests approvals have to be made on a case-by-case basis.
When the Tallahassee Democrat contacted both local stores for more information, a reporter was referred to the company’s corporate office in Indianapolis. A request there is pending.
The burger chain’s move reflects the influence of its owner, Sardar Biglari, and his strategic decisions to align the brand with patriotic and conservative values.
Founded in 1934, Steak ‘n Shake is now a Biglari Holdings subsidiary, acquired in August 2008; Biglari, an Iranian-born American entrepreneur, is the founder, chairman, and CEO. He endorsed Donald Trump in the 2024 U.S. presidential election and his leadership style, according to media coverage, is characterized by bold, sometimes controversial moves aimed at boosting his brands.
His restaurant chain, known for steak burgers and milk shakes, announced on its social media platforms Oct. 4 that it “proudly supports American values and traditions.” With nearly 400 locations throughout the U.S., it’s known for a nostalgic atmosphere, cherry red booths and accents, black-and-white checkered floors and a classic menu.
At the beginning of 2025, Steak ‘n Shake announced it would “use 100% All-Natural Beef Tallow Fries in all restaurants by end of February 2025,” referring to the rendered (or purified) fat from cattle.
It launched a “Make Frying Oil Tallow Again” campaign, a nod to President Trump’s “Make America Great Again.” It’s gained traction online, earning praise from political figures and others associated with conservative movements.
In August, the chain blasted Cracker Barrel on social media for “abandoning” its heritage when they decided to give its logo a facelift, removing the old man, barrel, and “Old Country Store” tagline with a simpler word-only design.
Backlash over losing its nostalgic imagery led the company to restore the original logo soon after a wave of public outcry – including from Trump.
Some Facebook users have shared their support of Steak ‘n Shake’s red, white and blue makeover. Although the post appeared on every individual Steak ‘n Shake location’s page, the comments reflect engagement from across all the posts
One user said, “I love the changes at Steak and Shake!!! Beef Tallow? CHECK!! Giant American Flag? CHECK!!! Let’s go you guys! Already eat there quite often, but will be adding more visits!!!”
Others mocked the concept: “Wow. What a thoroughly tall display of patriotism. Really, mean it. Wow. Big flags on tall poles. Wow. What a display. Because whoever has the biggest flags is the most patriotic. Wow.”
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. congratulated Steak n’ Shake for supporting his push to promote beef tallow and being the “first national food chain” to transition away from seed oils in a social media post.
“Thanks for the leadership in the crusade to Make America Healthy Again,” he said in a Feb. 27 post. It has since been deleted, however, as other chain establishments used beef tallow in their kitchens before Steak n’ Shake, including Popeye’s, Outback Steakhouse and Buffalo Wild Wings.
This article includes previously reported information. Kyla A Sanford covers dining and entertainment for the Tallahassee Democrat. New restaurant opening up, special deals, or events coming up? Let me know at ksanford@tallahassee.com. You can also email your suggestions for a future TLH Eats restaurant profile.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Tallahassee Steak n Shake locations may see giant flagpoles rise
Reporting by Kyla A Sanford and Jim Rosica, Tallahassee Democrat / Tallahassee Democrat
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