An Argentine burger restaurant called Big Nigga Burgers is drawing international criticism over its racially charged name. Read that three times. This establishment has become an international controversy after its unusual, and arguably racist, branding caught the attention of the American public. Perhaps most concerning is that the owners explicitly credit Hip-Hop culture as the inspiration for the name.
The establishment is located in Llavallol, Buenos Aires, Argentina, and is owned by individuals identified as Jackie and Franco. The business began operations around 2020, specializing in smash burgers that feature black buns, double beef patties, cheddar cheese, bacon, and red onions. While the menu might appeal to some, the name has left a bitter taste for many observers.
The restaurant reportedly embraces Hip-Hop and trap music as part of its identity. As images and videos of the establishment circulated online, American social media users began questioning why a business in Argentina would casually incorporate one of the most historically offensive slurs in the world into its branding. The owners have defended their choice, claiming the name was inspired by rap music and designed to attract attention rather than to offend.
“We’re just another damn burger joint in this world, but call it luck or coincidence, today there’s something that sets us apart and brings people from all over the world,” one of the owners stated. In a defiant response to the backlash, Jackie and Franco wrote:
“We won’t change or make ourselves smaller just to fit in. We know who we are.”They further added:
“And to those who insult us or hope to see us fail: you don’t have to like us, but you’ll never stop us.”They concluded their statement with:
“This is who we are. Jackie and Franco. Big Nigga Burgers, we’re only getting started.”
Hip-Hop is a global phenomenon that has influenced fashion, language, and entrepreneurship worldwide. While Argentina has its own vibrant Hip-Hop community, the use of this specific slur trivializes centuries of racial trauma. The business’s branding ignores the complex history of anti-Black racism in Argentina, which includes 19th-century efforts to suppress Afro-Argentine identity and erase Black people from the nation’s historical narrative. Despite the global outcry, the owners remain committed to their brand, leaving many to wonder if the restaurant’s notoriety will ultimately be its only claim to fame.
