Beloved LA restaurant hit with social media backlash after owners spoke positively about Tesla

Walter Manzke, the veteran chef and co-owner of L.A.'s République, praised the idea behind a new Tesla-owned restaurant that features Tesla charging stations in a recent New York Times interview that was published on Friday, leading to critics ripping his establishment on online forum site reddit.com.

"An opening date has not been announced, but Tesla's all-night diner, theater and charging station is clearly on its way. Which means that the company's leader, Elon Musk, is about to enter the hospitality business," The Times reported.

Manzke became a target of anti-Musk social media users thanks to his quote praising the Tesla restaurant idea in The Times piece. 

"It sounds exciting," Manzke told the outlet, adding that his wife, who co-owns République, "told me the other day that she wants to buy a Tesla, so I can tell you what side she's on."

That one quote prompted a deluge of angry Reddit comments. Some said they'd be dining somewhere else because of Manzke's words. One wrote, "Appreciate the link. Not gonna lie, this sucks, but there are plenty of other great places for pastry in this city."

Another declared, "Easy boycott."

One person claimed that the pro-Tesla comment amounted to "business suicide." 

"Rare you see a local restaurateur commit business suicide in such a public way," they said. 

"Incredible self-own," a disgruntled commenter added. "Just needed to keep your mouth shut. Welp, I have finite dining $$$ and now just will spend more elsewhere. I'm sure MAGA mouthbreathers will fill in any losses I create."

The backlash was significant enough for République's management to respond, clarifying Manzke's quote. 

Representatives for the French restaurant did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.