Turning Point USA Founder Remembered

Hours before being shot on a university campus in Utah, Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk shared his thoughts with hundreds of restaurant leaders gathered in Salt Lake City. This event took place at the annual restaurant science summit organized by Savory Fund.

Wayde Aen, president of Costa Vida, a fast-casual Mexican restaurant chain from Utah, described Kirk’s message as intensely personal, rather than political. He remarked that Kirk’s conversation with Savory Fund co-founder Andrew K. Smith was focused on the journey of entrepreneurship—one that encompasses both dedication and hard work.

“There wasn’t anything political in what he said,” Aen noted, emphasizing that the essence of the talk revolved around the efforts and commitment required in entrepreneurship.

Kirk is widely known for his political activism, yet his recent focus on the entrepreneurial experience may have caught some by surprise. Drawing from his personal journey, he discussed the ups and downs that come with both politics and business. Aen mentioned that the core theme of Kirk’s message resonated with many attendees—the realization that the bad days will eventually pass.

This sentiment struck Aen as particularly important, especially when Kirk encouraged them to remember that tough times are temporary. Aen reflected on how powerful Kirk’s words felt at that moment, only to be followed by shock and disbelief once news of the shooting spread during lunch.

“When I heard that Charlie had been shot, it felt unreal,” Aen recalled. “I thought, ‘No way, he was just here.’” When the announcement was made, the atmosphere shifted dramatically; it became overwhelmingly quiet, creating a somber mood among participants.

While Kirk’s presence at the conference may have seemed unusual given his political background, Aen noted a deeper connection within the restaurant industry. Many attendees shared the entrepreneurial spirit that Kirk was highlighting, making the message feel relevant.

In discussing the loss of Kirk, Aen expressed his sadness over the senselessness of it all. “He was here, and now he’s gone,” he said, reflecting on how difficult it was to process such a loss, regardless of differing political beliefs. The event itself felt somewhat surreal, and many attendees seemed to grapple with the broader implications of his untimely death.