A Sault Ste. Marie restaurant is seeing a surge in sales of its “border wall pizzas,” a creative dish that has resonated with patriotic Canadians upset by recent comments from U.S. President Donald Trump. The pizza, available at Gino’s Fired Up Kitchen, features a divided design with a row of mozzarella sticks down the middle, creating two distinct sides, each with different toppings.
Craig Burgess, the owner of Gino’s Fired Up Kitchen, explains that the creation was a response to the growing frustration and patriotism in Canada, fueled by Trump’s remarks about potentially making Canada the 51st state. “Obviously, the patriotism in Canada is shining through,” Burgess said. “It’s just about creating something unique from a marketing perspective and having a little fun with a tough situation.”
Recent weeks have seen widespread backlash in Canada to Trump’s suggestion of annexing the country through economic means. His administration has also announced tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, set to take effect on March 12, along with potential tariffs on Canadian energy imports and other goods.
The announcement has sparked anger and a sense of national pride, with many Canadians opting to boycott American businesses. Burgess, whose restaurant sits just across the border from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, says he’s noticed a rise in local residents canceling trips to U.S. destinations such as Florida and Las Vegas. “A lot of people are making an effort to find products made in Canada or alternatives to U.S. goods,” he said.
Fortunately, Burgess’s restaurant sources most of its ingredients from within Canada, so little adjustment has been needed to his supply chain. However, as the owner of another business, Wackys, Burgess faces a different challenge. The arcade games at Wackys offer plush toys as prizes, which are imported from China through the U.S., meaning they will be affected by the upcoming 10 percent tariff on Chinese goods. Burgess is working to establish Canadian contacts to obtain the items directly and avoid the extra costs.
While the “border wall pizza” serves as a lighthearted way to address the current political climate, it reflects the broader economic and cultural tensions felt by many Canadians in response to U.S. policies.
Related topic:
- Asian Restaurant Brings Malatang Trend to Dallas
- Caprinos Pizza Opens New Branch in Wymondham
- Oakville Pizza Closes After Over Two Decades of Service
