Steak 'n Shake has appointed Michael Boes as its first "chief MAHA officer," a newly created role tied to the Make America Healthy Again movement championed by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Boes previously worked at HHS under Kennedy as a senior adviser, where he helped develop the Trump administration's new dietary guidelines.
The Indianapolis-based burger chain announced the appointment Tuesday, positioning it as part of a broader industry shift toward cleaner ingredients. In January 2025, Steak 'n Shake already transitioned to using 100% all-natural beef tallow for frying its fries, a change the company highlighted as aligned with MAHA principles.
What the Left Is Saying
Progressive advocates and public health researchers have expressed cautious interest in corporate efforts to reduce processed ingredients but note that voluntary industry changes without regulatory backing often fall short. Some consumer advocacy groups argue that without federal standards or labeling requirements, such initiatives remain dependent on market calculations rather than public health outcomes.
"Food companies respond to profit incentives," said one nutrition policy researcher who studies corporate influence on dietary guidelines. "What we're seeing is responsive to political pressure, but whether it translates to meaningful health changes depends on implementation and accountability."
Others have raised questions about the MAHA movement's scientific foundations, noting that debates over food additives often lack consensus in peer-reviewed literature. Some public health experts argue that focusing solely on ingredient transparency may not address broader issues of portion sizes, affordability, and nutritional access.
What the Right Is Saying
Supporters of the MAHA approach argue that market-driven change can work faster than regulatory mandates. Conservative commentators have praised Kennedy's push to reduce ultra-processed foods, framing it as a departure from both parties' historical alignment with food industry interests.
Boes has argued that consumer demand already exists for cleaner ingredients but that industry resistance has kept reform slow. "The feedback we always got was, 'Our customers aren't demanding this. We're already healthy.' And I just didn't believe it," he told the Washington Examiner. "We saw the polling numbers internally, and there's obviously customer and public demand."
Industry analysts note that Steak 'n Shake's positioning could appeal to parents seeking more transparent fast-food options. Boes has emphasized that the changes align with what he calls "gold standard science" and a return to ingredients like beef, bread, cheese without added preservatives.
What the Numbers Show
Steak 'n Shake operates approximately 350 restaurants across 14 states, primarily in the Midwest and Southeast. The chain is owned by Sardar Biglari's Biglari Holdings, which has pursued turn-around strategies for several restaurant brands.
The fast food industry collectively generates more than $300 billion annually in the United States. Consumer surveys from multiple research firms have shown growing interest in ingredient transparency, though purchasing data indicates that price and convenience remain primary drivers of fast-food decisions.
Biglari Holdings reported mixed financial results in recent quarters, with same-store sales performance varying by region. The company's 2025 annual report noted "operational improvements" but did not break out specific metrics for ingredient-related initiatives.
The Bottom Line
The appointment reflects the growing influence of MAHA ideology on both regulatory policy and corporate strategy. Boes has indicated other chains face pressure to adapt, arguing that market demand will force broader industry changes regardless of initial resistance.
What remains unclear is whether Steak 'n Shake's initiative represents a sustainable business model or primarily serves as marketing differentiation. The chain has not announced specific timelines for menu changes or pricing implications. Watch for whether other major fast-food operators announce similar hires or ingredient reforms in the coming months, and whether HHS dietary guidelines undergo further revision under Kennedy's leadership.