Phoenix Mexican Restaurant Faces Threats Over Trump Support

When JJ Zarraga and his fiancé Kirk opened Xolo in north Phoenix, their goal was simple: serve bright, green, citrusy salsa that reminds them of home. The food, according to Zarraga, is in his blood, and the couple quickly built a small but loyal following. What they didn’t expect was that a single social‑media post praising Donald Trump would turn their kitchen into a battlefield.

The online onslaught

Within days of the post, the couple started receiving harrowing messages. One night, an anonymous account sent a death threat that left them both shaking. Simultaneously, Xolo’s rating on popular review sites plummeted as fake accounts posted scathing comments about the food, the service, and even the décor. The reviews were generic, often citing “terrible experience” without any specifics – a classic sign of sabotage.

"It’s uncomfortable when people try to do that to us when we don’t reciprocate that," Zarrada told reporters, noting that they never asked anyone to endorse a candidate. The couple’s frustration grew when they realized the attacks were coordinated, not isolated gripes.

Taking it to the authorities

Rather than ignore the threats, Zarraga says they’ll be filing police reports. "When it comes to those threats, we’re going to take them to the authorities," he affirmed. Legal experts note that online harassment, especially when it includes credible threats of violence, can be prosecuted under federal and state statutes.

Despite the stress, the pair refuse to let politics drown out their passion for cooking. They’ve doubled down on the menu, planning new dishes that blend traditional Mexican flavors with a modern twist. The hope is that satisfied diners will drown out the bogus reviews with genuine five‑star feedback.

The Xolo saga isn’t an isolated case. Earlier this year, another Hispanic‑owned eatery, Tortas Manantial, saw a surge of negative ratings after a staff member posted a pro‑Trump message. Analysts suggest a growing pattern: businesses that publicly back the former president become lightning rods for backlash, especially on platforms where anonymity fuels vitriol.

Community leaders in Phoenix are watching closely. Some propose a city‑wide “safe‑space” initiative for small business owners, aiming to protect free speech while curbing harassment. For now, Zarraga and Kirk are focused on the kitchen, hoping their salsa’s flavor will speak louder than any online rant.

As the legal process unfolds, Xolo’s story serves as a reminder that the line between personal politics and professional life can be razor‑thin, especially in today’s hyper‑connected world. The couple’s next steps—whether legal action, new marketing, or simply serving more tacos—will likely set a tone for other entrepreneurs navigating similar storms.