As a customer, the most important thing you should do before leaving a restaurant is to pay for your meals, regardless of how much it is. A coffee shop in Penang, however, decided to publicly shame one of its customers just because he did not order a beverage.
“He wants to get famous, so let’s help him!”
In a Facebook post that has since been deleted, it was revealed that the premise has a notice that informs all customers everything is sold at a cheap price to encourage more sales.
“At least buy a drink, but this man insisted that he didn’t want a drink, and even said ‘what can we do about it?’ Nevermind then, let’s just make him famous so that his family can see his face here.”
The owner also thanked the customers who understand the matter and those who have been supporting them. The deleted post has been reshared by many netizens, including a Malaysian, Daniel.
Speaking to WORLD OF BUZZ, Daniel said that he’s not happy with the arrogance of the people at the restaurant and how they treat the paying customers.
“I can’t stand how they actually bully an old man. Such arrogance.”
Daniel also told WORLD OF BUZZ that coincidentally he just returned home from Penang and he is no stranger to the rumors about this coffee house.
“My friends in Penang told me about the expensive drinks there. That’s why I have never visited the place.”
Shockingly, this was not the restaurant’s “first rodeo” in shaming customers. Many netizens managed to dig out the restaurant’s past where they did the same thing for the same reason – publicly shaming customers just because they did not order drinks. In the screenshot below shared by a Malaysian named Jimmy, it is also revealed that the coffee shop charges RM0.50 sen to customers who don’t order beverages.
The restaurant apologises and… ceases operation?
Their action to publicly shame the old man immediately backfired, and netizens were quick to give the place a 1-star rating on Google reviews.
Just last night, the coffee shop responded via a newly-created Facebook page and asked for suggestions from netizens about their next step.
Netizens were required to respond with 3 different emojis, each with its respective consequence.
- Thumbs up – Cease operation, compensate the vendors, and reach out to the old man to apologise via video.
- Angry emoji – continue the operation and make an apology video and offer a buffet for a limited time.
- Sad emoji – continue the operation one week later with an apology video.
In another post, it was confirmed that the restaurant will cease its operation and compensation will be given to the vendors. But is that really the case?
In an interview with Sin Chew, the owner, Lim, revealed that they have deactivated their Facebook page following criticisms.
“The new Facebook page with the closure announcement is fake.”
Well, the plot thickens! It is also revealed that customers will be charged RM1 if they do not order drinks.
Penangites, are you aware of this restaurant? Do you think it’s wise to “impose a fee” to customers who do not order drinks?
Also read: “RM27.85” – Price for 4 Glasses of Chrysanthemum Tea in KL Dim Sum Restaurant Shocks M’sian
