GOP leader objects to halal restaurant, says it's like 'Muslim conquest of Jerusalem in 7th century'

Georgia Republican Rep Mike Collins objected to a new Halal restaurant coming up in the Capitol Complex to replace famous Steak n' Shake and said it's equivalent to the Muslim conquest of Jerusalem in the 7th century. Upcoming CHA Street Food is an American-influenced Asian restaurant.

"Known for their American-influenced Asian cuisine, CHA Street Food will serve breakfast, bowls, sandwiches, wraps, a wide array of sides, and specialty drinks," said an email announcement going out to staffers and members of Congress. "Favorites include their Zinger Burger, Chicken Tikka Roll (or salad), and samosa appetizers. Additionally, CHA Street Food will offer rewards points, online ordering, and bulk-order catering."

They’re replacing Steak n Shake with a halal restaurant.

This is equivalent to the Muslim conquest of Jerusalem in the 7th century. pic.twitter.com/PuFQ53F9Gh

— Rep. Mike Collins (@RepMikeCollins) May 2, 2025

"Imagine being this fragile—comparing a new restaurant lease to a 7th-century military conquest because your milkshake joint got replaced. It’s not a caliphate, it’s capitalism. If Steak ‘n Shake mattered that much, maybe you should’ve eaten there," one wrote.

"It really takes a small person to be threatened by ethnic food. I mean, wow. Just wow," another wrote.

Major fopod overhaul in Capitol Hill office

After a 10-year run, vendor Sodexo is out of the Capitol complex and according to the email sent to staffers, Metz Culinary Management will take over beginning in August. Construction will start that month, but “rest assured that Members and staff will still have options for grabbing breakfast, lunch and coffee throughout the construction process,” the memo said.

The changes come after two major renovations, with Dunkin’ being closed for an extended period of time and &Pizza, which shuttered last August, to be replaced by a renovated coffee shop, Politico reported.

“The incoming vendors represent a broad range of food service operators who will deliver diverse and popular food options,” according to the email.

Starbucks will replace Dunkin’ in the Longworth House Office Building, Panera Bread will replace Au Bon Pain in the Cannon House Office Building, and acai bowl joint Freshens will replace Jamba Juice in Longworth. Jimmy John’s will replace Subway in Rayburn, with PX Tacos and Java House replacing the current Common Grounds coffee shop in that building.