Apple CEO Tim Cook recently found himself in an unusual situation—being just another face in the crowd. While in New Orleans for the 2025 Super Bowl showdown between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles, Cook decided to grab a meal at Domilise’s Po-boys, a beloved local sandwich shop. But despite being one of the most influential figures in the tech world, he went largely unnoticed as the attention of diners was firmly fixed on NFL star Odell Beckham Jr., who was dining with him.
A Meal in Peace for One of the Most Recognizable Tech Leaders
Cook, dressed casually in a blue T-shirt and cream-colored pants, entered the restaurant with a small group, including Beckham and a few Apple executives. As he quietly made his way inside, only a handful of people acknowledged his presence with a nod or a quick greeting. Meanwhile, Beckham was met with an entirely different reaction. Fans instantly recognized the Super Bowl-winning wide receiver, showering him with attention, handshakes, and photo requests.
A video of the moment captured Cook standing calmly in the background, enjoying what may have been one of the few times he could move through a public space without being swarmed by fans or reporters. The clip, which quickly went viral, sparked plenty of conversation online, with many people expressing surprise that the CEO of Apple—a company with over a billion active devices worldwide—wasn’t immediately recognized.
Social Media Reactions: ‘The Ultimate Power Move’
Once the video hit social media, reactions poured in from all corners. Some found it amusing that Cook could blend into the crowd so easily, while others debated whether this was a sign of true success—being powerful enough that you don’t need to seek attention.
- “That’s how you know you’ve made it. When you can sit quietly in a restaurant while everyone fawns over the athlete at your table.”
- “Tim Cook being ignored at Domilise’s is proof that tech CEOs live in an entirely different bubble than athletes and entertainers.”
- “Let’s be real—if it was Steve Jobs, people would have noticed immediately. Cook is rich, but he’s not ‘get-mobbed-in-a-restaurant’ famous.”
While Cook may not have been recognized by the majority of diners, some Apple loyalists pointed out that he likely preferred it that way. Unlike his predecessor, the late Steve Jobs—who was known for his larger-than-life presence—Cook has always maintained a more low-key public persona.
Why Some CEOs Get Recognized and Others Don’t
This isn’t the first time a high-profile executive has managed to slip under the radar in public. While figures like Elon Musk or Jeff Bezos are often swarmed by fans and media, others—like Cook—can go largely unnoticed despite their immense influence. But why is that?
| CEO | Industry | Public Recognition Level |
|---|---|---|
| Elon Musk | Tech/Auto | Very High |
| Jeff Bezos | Tech/Retail | High |
| Tim Cook | Tech | Moderate |
| Mark Zuckerberg | Tech/Social | High |
| Warren Buffett | Finance | Moderate |
In Cook’s case, his low profile might be due to his focus on running Apple rather than being a public spectacle. Unlike Musk, who frequently engages with fans and critics on social media, Cook tends to keep his personal life private and lets Apple’s products do the talking. That approach may be why he can walk into a restaurant without turning heads.
Domilise’s Po-boys: The Real Star of the Night?
While much of the internet was fascinated by Cook’s unnoticed presence, longtime New Orleans residents had a different takeaway—the attention this moment brought to Domilise’s Po-boys. The legendary sandwich shop has been serving locals since 1918, famous for its fried shrimp and roast beef sandwiches. Some social media users pointed out that the real winner of this viral moment wasn’t Cook or Beckham, but Domilise’s itself.
“It’s hilarious that people are talking more about Tim Cook being ignored than the fact that he was eating one of the best Po’boys in the country,” one user commented. Another joked, “Cook being ignored at Domilise’s proves one thing—New Orleans people take their food way more seriously than their tech billionaires.”
Whether he enjoyed the attention or the anonymity, Cook’s quiet meal in New Orleans became one of the most talked-about moments from Super Bowl weekend. And for Domilise’s? Well, they just earned some free marketing that even Apple couldn’t buy.
