TOMS RIVER, N.J. — Aqua Blu Kitchen & Cocktails, a bayfront restaurant in Toms River, has removed a controversial menu item dubbed the “Proud Boy Burger” after backlash erupted online.
The burger, which included “White” American cheese, an onion ring, “resilience pickles,” and “cancer culture coleslaw,” drew widespread condemnation for its perceived association with a far-right group. Critics took to social media to voice outrage, prompting the restaurant to disable comments on its Facebook page.
In a formal apology posted online, Aqua Blu stated that the name and content of the menu item were a mistake. “We want to address and clarify that our post and burger name from yesterday was a mistake, and we sincerely apologize,” the statement read. The post also assured patrons that the restaurant stands “united against hate” and does not condone or support hate groups.
Aqua Blu also announced the termination of the employee responsible for the burger’s creation and promotional post. The restaurant emphasized its longstanding ties to the community and reiterated its commitment to maintaining an inclusive and respectful environment.
At Aqua Blu, we stand united against hate. We want to address and clarify that our post and burger name from yesterday was a mistake, and we sincerely apologize. We understand how it may have been interpreted, but it was never our intention nor what we stand for. We ask that you take this into consideration as we reflect and learn from this experience.
To prevent further derogatory remarks, we’ve deleted the post and comments. To those who have supported us over the years, we deeply appreciate every single one of you.
Please know that we would never do anything to jeopardize the trust and respect you have for Aqua Blu. We hope you understand and accept this as a formal apology. We are a longstanding family-run business with deep ties to the community and want to make it very clear that we and our establishment do not support any hate groups, nor do we condone hate speech in any form. We take these matters extremely seriously and have taken decisive action.
The individual responsible for creating and distributing the offensive menu item in our restaurant has been terminated.