Want fries with that Kalashnikov?

"Rocket propelled grenades" might not sound like appetizing fare, but locals are flocking to "Buns and Guns," a new fast-food restaurant in southern Lebanon, to get a taste of the explosive dish (actually just chicken on a skewer) and other arms-themed delicacies. Decorated with camoflauge netting and fake weapons, the joint is owned by Yousif ...

"Rocket propelled grenades" might not sound like appetizing fare, but locals are flocking to "Buns and Guns," a new fast-food restaurant in southern Lebanon, to get a taste of the explosive dish (actually just chicken on a skewer) and other arms-themed delicacies. Decorated with camoflauge netting and fake weapons, the joint is owned by Yousif Ibrahim, who explains his marketing approach this way:

"Rocket propelled grenades" might not sound like appetizing fare, but locals are flocking to "Buns and Guns," a new fast-food restaurant in southern Lebanon, to get a taste of the explosive dish (actually just chicken on a skewer) and other arms-themed delicacies. Decorated with camoflauge netting and fake weapons, the joint is owned by Yousif Ibrahim, who explains his marketing approach this way:

My goal was to make people laugh before they ask me why weapons. The important thing is that they laugh."

But recent events in Lebanon are no laughing matter.

Clashes in northern Lebanon between anti and pro-Syrian factions have resulted in six deaths since yesterday, despite a recent political agreement that led to the election of President Michel Suleiman and progress toward creating a government of national unity. This is a troubling blow for the country, which just weeks ago was experiencing general calm and a return of an important source of income — tourists.

Now, patrons might see less humor in "Buns and Guns," which is located in area where the militant party Hezbollah enjoys great power and popularity. Himself a Hezbollah supporter, Ibrahim makes light of accusations against the group by serving "terrorist bread" at his restaurant. But while a sandwich might not kill his customers, factional fighting in Lebanon very well could, and the recent clashes are a reminder that the country’s decades-long instability is far from over. 

More from Foreign Policy

Newspapers in Tehran feature on their front page news about the China-brokered deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia to restore ties, signed in Beijing the previous day, on March, 11 2023.
Newspapers in Tehran feature on their front page news about the China-brokered deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia to restore ties, signed in Beijing the previous day, on March, 11 2023.

Saudi-Iranian Détente Is a Wake-Up Call for America

The peace plan is a big deal—and it’s no accident that China brokered it.

Austin and Gallant stand at podiums side by side next to each others' national flags.
Austin and Gallant stand at podiums side by side next to each others' national flags.

The U.S.-Israel Relationship No Longer Makes Sense

If Israel and its supporters want the country to continue receiving U.S. largesse, they will need to come up with a new narrative.

Russian President Vladimir Putin lays flowers at the Moscow Kremlin Wall in the Alexander Garden during an event marking Defender of the Fatherland Day in Moscow.
Russian President Vladimir Putin lays flowers at the Moscow Kremlin Wall in the Alexander Garden during an event marking Defender of the Fatherland Day in Moscow.

Putin Is Trapped in the Sunk-Cost Fallacy of War

Moscow is grasping for meaning in a meaningless invasion.

An Iranian man holds a newspaper reporting the China-brokered deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia to restore ties, in Tehran on March 11.
An Iranian man holds a newspaper reporting the China-brokered deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia to restore ties, in Tehran on March 11.

How China’s Saudi-Iran Deal Can Serve U.S. Interests

And why there’s less to Beijing’s diplomatic breakthrough than meets the eye.