Cheesecake Factory’s former design VP criticizes Obama’s joke – FOX 5 Atlanta

Cheesecake Factory’s former design VP criticizes Obama’s joke  FOX 5 Atlanta

Former President Barack Obama mocked President Donald Trump’s White House renovations by saying the building looked like “Saddam Hussein opened a Cheesecake Factory.” Rick McCormick, the restaurant chain’s former vice president of design, called the joke “a little bit sad,” criticizing the political pettiness behind the sound bite.

McCormick helped design some of the company’s first restaurants and credited founder David Overton with creating the look the chain is known for. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. ©2026 FOX Television Stations