The Huntington Beach City Council’s unanimous appointment of celebrity chef Andrew Gruel last month, to fill the vacancy left by Tony Strickland’s election to the State Senate is a triumph for Surf City. Gruel, a leading conservative voice with a commanding social media presence and regular Fox News appearances, brings a bold, principled perspective to an all-Republican council that has revitalized the city since seizing the majority in 2022. His selection strengthens the council’s commitment to local control, fiscal discipline, and community values, ensuring Huntington Beach remains a conservative bastion in California. With Gruel’s business acumen and unapologetic advocacy, he’s poised to elevate the city’s governance to new heights.
Gruel is no ordinary appointee. Beyond his culinary fame as the owner of Calico Fish House and former founder of Slapfish, he’s a vocal defender of individual liberty and economic freedom. With over 200,000 followers on platforms like X, Gruel has used his YouTube cooking channel and media appearances to champion causes close to Huntington Beach’s heart. He’s lambasted Sacramento’s overreach, calling out COVID-19 lockdowns that crippled small businesses like his own, labeling them “government overreach on steroids.” Gruel has also decried California’s labor policies, accusing state agencies of targeting entrepreneurs with baseless investigations—a stance that resonates with residents wary of bureaucratic meddling. His push for lower taxes and streamlined regulations, often articulated in fiery X posts like “Let businesses breathe,” aligns perfectly with the council’s mission to keep Huntington Beach affordable and vibrant. Gruel’s libertarian streak—he’s called himself “a chef who cuts waste, not freedom”—makes him a natural fit for a city that values self-reliance.
Since the conservative majority—Pat Burns, Tony Strickland, Gracey Van Der Mark, and Casey McKeon—took control in 2022, Huntington Beach has thrived under principled leadership. Joined by Chad Williams, Butch Twining, and Don Kennedy, elected in 2024, this unified team has transformed the city. The council has stood firm against Sacramento’s mandates, suing over housing laws that threatened the city’s suburban character. Their 2024 voter-approved Measure A, requiring ID for municipal elections cemented trust in local democracy despite state opposition. They’ve prioritized family-friendly policies, tightening library content to ensure age-appropriate materials and limiting flag displays on city property to foster unity. Of course, they have also delivered clean parks, safe streets, and reliable infrastructure. The council’s focus on fiscal responsibility—streamlining budgets without raising taxes— is a legacy Gruel is well-equipped to advance.
Gruel’s business savvy is a game-changer for Huntington Beach’s finances. Running restaurants that employ dozens, he’s mastered the art of balancing tight margins while delivering quality. He’s likened city budgets to kitchen inventories: “Every dollar counts, and waste is the enemy.” His experience navigating supply chain chaos and labor costs gives him a keen eye for inefficiencies, ensuring taxpayer money is spent wisely. Gruel’s knack for innovation—seen in his pop-up dining concepts—promises creative solutions to keep services robust without burdening residents. His appointment ensures continuity, filling Strickland’s seat with someone who shares the former councilman’s passion for limited government. Strickland’s 2024 Senate win in District 36 reflects the region’s hunger for leaders like Gruel, who prioritize “family, freedom, and opportunity,” as he declared at his swearing-in.
Residents will see in Gruel a leader who listens, distilling their concerns into policy as deftly as he crafts a menu. His term through 2026 offers ample time to build on a legacy that’s made Huntington Beach a conservative stronghold. From his kitchen to the council chambers, Andrew Gruel is just the right ingredient to spice up Surf City’s bright future.
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Jon Fleischman is the Publisher of the FlashReport Website on California Politics and has been political strategist for more than three decades.