Steak ‘n Shake Displays Giant American Flags in Stores
Steak ‘n Shake has begun adorning its locations with large American flags, joining a trend of businesses embracing patriotic themes.
Last week, the chain announced its initiative to showcase American flags in stores nationwide.
The flags will be sized to fit local regulations, aiming for the largest possible dimensions.
“Installation has started at Steak ‘n Shake,” the company stated on social media.
According to the announcement, all Steak ‘n Shake locations will display the tallest and largest American flag permissible by local authorities. The chain expressed pride in supporting American values and traditions.
Attempts to get additional comments from Steak ‘n Shake regarding this new initiative were not immediately successful.
This move aligns Steak ‘n Shake with various other companies that have adopted patriotic displays.
For instance, Camping World, a national retail chain, began flying massive American flags in their stores back in 2014 to honor veterans.
The flags measure between 30 by 60 feet and 40 by 80 feet, mounted on poles that stand 130 feet tall, as detailed on their website.
CEO Marcus Lemonis highlighted that a majority of their employees and customers are veterans, noting the desire to honor their service to the country and their communities.
Likewise, Doggett Ford, a car dealership in Beaumont, Texas, has a large flag flying on a 130-foot pole, which they installed on August 4, 2020.
The dealership mentioned that an 80-foot by 40-foot flag is now prominently visible to drivers on Interstate 45.
Meanwhile, Acuity Insurance from Sheboygan, Wisconsin, is erecting a 400-foot-tall flagpole along Interstate 43 between Milwaukee and Green Bay, featuring a 9,800-square-foot flag weighing around 250 pounds.
Claimed to be the world’s tallest symbol of freedom, this flag measures 70 by 140 feet.
The company also stated that they promptly replace damaged flags, which are mended by professional seamstresses using industrial sewing machines.
Wayne Robinson, a franchisee of Steak ‘n Shake in Rome, Georgia, has been flying a large American flag since opening his restaurant in 2006, with a 12-by-25 flag on a 40-foot pole.
Steak ‘n Shake’s decision to fly a flag not only reflects patriotism but also resonates with their target customer base.
David Johnson, a CEO in the PR sector, remarked that this move illustrates how brands are attuned to public sentiment.
He suggested that a prominent display of an American flag can “reinforce power” and help build emotional connections with their audience while setting them apart from competitors.
Brand expert Crystal Gorges echoed these insights, pointing out that Steak ‘n Shake has a long-standing identity as a classic American diner.
She noted that showcasing a substantial flag serves as a reminder of that heritage, and emphasized that amidst a landscape where many avoid clear cultural signals, this is a bold branding move.
However, she also cautioned that such visible statements must feel genuine for customer acceptance. She pointed to Steak ‘n Shake’s ability to support its symbolism through actions like maintaining classic diner aesthetics and traditional menu items.
The announcement of this initiative sparked conversations across both sides of the political spectrum.
One user described it as a “brilliant marketing ploy,” while expressing indifference about visiting the restaurant solely based on the flag.
Contrarily, another user shared enthusiasm for the flag but voiced concern that if Steak ‘n Shake leans too far into conservative branding, they would reconsider their patronage.
Despite some mixed reactions, the general feedback surrounding the flag installation has been positive, especially from prominent conservative figures.
For instance, Elon Musk stated he would be ordering from Steak ‘n Shake the next day, while actor James Woods commended the chain for setting a commendable example.
He encouraged others to support businesses that proudly celebrate American ideals.
This flag initiative marks another step in Steak ‘n Shake’s recent marketing strategy as it leans into a more conservative message, following its earlier shift to using beef tallow for frying fries.
