The Cheesecake Factory’s moment in the spotlight just got a little sweeter.
The California-based restaurant chain reported solid third-quarter earnings on Tuesday, just days after it became embroiled in a political battle that has expanded beyond its famously large portions.
It all started when former President Barack Obama sparked an uproar on Saturday by comparing President Donald Trump’s White House renovations to Saddam Hussein’s renovation of the Cheesecake Factory, prompting Republicans to seize on the comments to defend the chain.
Amid the storm, The Cheesecake Factory reported quarterly revenue of $1.03 billion, up nearly 14% year over year, while comparable sales at its restaurants were up more than 15% year over year.
Chief Executive David Overton attributed the sales growth to the chain’s new menu items, rewards program and social media engagement.
“The Cheesecake Factory has long enjoyed tremendous brand affinity across generations, and its ability to attract younger guests enhances the enduring appeal and relevance of our namesake concept,” Overton said.
Executives did not address the feud during Tuesday’s earnings call, and the company has not commented publicly on it.
The company’s fiscal third quarter ended on September 29, before Obama’s comments, so any potential boost from the current headlines could be icing on the cake.
Thanks, Obama
Obama sparked the food war on Saturday by invoking the Cheesecake Factory when he mocked Trump at a campaign rally in Cleveland.
“He made the White House look like Saddam Hussein opened a cheesecake factory. There’s gold everywhere,” Obama told the crowd, referring to the gold decorations and furniture Trump added to the Oval Office. “He’s clearly not focused on getting you a lower price.”
The White House seized on the comment, and Republican commentators said it showed Obama is an elitist who is out of touch with most Americans.
Finance Minister Scott Bessent visited a Cheesecake Factory for lunch on Monday and said he got his usual: a French dip cheeseburger.
“I would tell Martha’s Vineyard to give it a try,” Bessant told Fox Business. He also blasted Obama’s design taste, comparing his newly opened presidential library to “Darth Vader’s tomb.”
Of course, Trump also got a piece of the pie.
“The White House is in the best shape it’s been since it was built in 1792,” Trump told reporters on Monday. He also had a direct message for Obama: “If you say it’s the Cheesecake Factory, you’re a terrible president.”
Only time will tell whether Obama and Trump will go back for seconds.