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A heartfelt tribute to Charlie Kirk by a Georgia businessman is creating waves of support at Steak ‘n Shake, a popular 1950s-style restaurant chain. Wayne Robinson, the owner of a Steak ‘n Shake in Rome, Georgia, is proudly honoring Kirk after his recent tragic passing.
Wayne Robinson, president of Wayne Robinson Holdings, felt a profound sense of loss when he learned that Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot while addressing students at Utah Valley University on September 10. Robinson’s admiration for Kirk stemmed from the activist’s ability to connect with young people through engaging debates on college campuses.
Robinson expressed his sorrow over Kirk’s death, stating, “He was bringing so many of those young people to Christ. He touched me deeply, and the news of his assassination weighed heavy on my heart.” Almost immediately after the event, Robinson felt compelled to pay tribute. He swiftly contacted his marketing team to create a fitting memorial.
The tribute took the form of a billboard emblazoned with the words, “Charlie Kirk, 1993-2025, Stand up, speak out, stay bold.” This tribute quickly captivated the public, gaining significant traction across social media platforms like X, previously known as Twitter.
Local residents have flocked to the Steak ‘n Shake location in droves, eager to share their condolences and support. According to Robinson, the response has been overwhelming, with an estimated 58,000 comments on social media praising the tribute. He noted the influx of customers, stating, “People from surrounding areas are driving to my restaurant just to enjoy a meal and pay their respects.”
Influential figures have also taken notice. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene from Georgia shared the billboard image on her social media, further amplifying the tribute’s reach. Supporters across the nation expressed their intention to support the chain in response to the honor. One user remarked on social media, “Eating at Steak ‘n Shake because they put up a Charlie Kirk billboard. This is the second time this week, all because I saw they put up a billboard in Charlie’s honor.”
Robinson has received numerous calls from far and wide, with individuals hailing from Michigan to California, simply to express their gratitude for his tribute to Kirk. He shared, “They took the time to find our number and call us just to say thank you for doing that.” This heartfelt response illustrates the significant impact Kirk had on many lives.
In the wake of the viral success of the billboard, Robinson received communication from Steak ‘n Shake’s corporate office. They acknowledged the tribute and remarked, “You know, you’re supposed to get everything okayed through corporate when you use the name Steak ‘n Shake on it, but we really like it.” Robinson recounted that the owner of Steak ‘n Shake was so impressed with the tribute that he expressed interest in possibly expanding similar honors across the nation.
Though sadness lingers over Kirk’s untimely death, Robinson remains hopeful. “I believe his legacy is reaching a lot of people and changing many minds,” he asserted. Robinson believes Kirk started a much-needed revival across the country. He continued, saying, “I don’t think he would have ever imagined the outpouring of support that followed his passing, but the movement is profound, and I am grateful for all he achieved.”
Robinson’s gesture is merely one of many tributes honoring Kirk since his death. For instance, Grooveberries Frozen Yogurt in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho faced backlash after incorporating stickers on their yogurt cups as a tribute. Additionally, a grassroots campaign emerged, with Kirk’s supporters petitioning Starbucks to memorialize him by adding his favorite tea order to their menu nationally.
As the tributes continue to roll in both locally and nationally, it is clear Charlie Kirk’s legacy resonates deeply. His advocacy for youth engagement and outreach to young adults has left a lasting mark, inspiring many to appreciate the values he championed. Through acts of solidarity displayed in restaurants like Steak ‘n Shake, communities are coming together to honor his memory.
Onlookers will no doubt continue to witness the unfolding of this movement, as more tributes surface, further solidifying Kirk’s impact on American culture.
