Just like celebrity chef Guy Fieri once said: “Food is not just eating energy. It’s an experience.” Unfortunately, in the age of social media, many people would like to take advantage of this experience. So when an entitled influencer demanded a free meal, a restaurant responded with the perfect savage wit, inciting online amusement and support for their bold stance.

On Saturday, March 2, Manchester-based restaurant Lucky Ramen and Sushi took to its Instagram page to share a screenshot exposing a message filled with anger from an influencer asserting their entitlement to free food based on their career.

The person in charge of the restaurant’s social media account didn’t name the spoilt influencer, but it did refer to them as a “blue tick superstar asking for a free feast in exchange for an Insta post.”

Image credits: lucky_ramenandsushi

“Hey sorry, I know it’s short notice but I’m in Manchester tomorrow and looking for somewhere for brunch with my partner,” the anonymous Instagram user with 36,000 followers started. “Would you be open for a collab with me for a post on my story and page?”

The eatery sarcastically wrote on the screenshot of the initial DM from the influencer: “You know, exposure pays the bills!

“We’re just thrilled that you appreciate our food, but hey, we appreciate paying customers even more!”

The initial screenshot appeared to have been shared on the restaurant’s story, prompting the mystery influencer to send another direct message, which was also exposed by the establishment.

The restaurant responded sarcastically, emphasizing the importance of paying customers

Image credits: lucky_ramenandsushi

“Personally, I think you’re bang out of order,” the angered influencer wrote.

The privileged person went on to ask if the restaurant didn’t think “people like us don’t deserve to eat for free?” before asserting that they did their best to help promote them for free.

They further explained: “We don’t expect much, just a free meal to compensate our time, labor, effort, and positive energy that we are supplying you.”

The influencer went on to threaten they wouldn’t be coming to the restaurant anytime soon as a result of being exposed and the restaurant’s sickly arrogance.

In the caption of the Instagram post, the restaurant retorted: “We’re truly sorry for attempting to uncover your behind-the-scenes tactics yesterday and, you know, us trying to make a living and sh*t.”

The influencer’s demand led to a heated exchange

Image credits: lucky_ramenandsushi

They continued: “We’re now rolling out the red carpet for all the free meals you desire. 

“And that’s not all – our chefs are ready to part ways with their Crocs and Birkenstocks, throwing them in as an extra bonus for your tender love and labor! 

“Even my dad’s medal of honor from the Japan war is up for grabs – he’s feeling generous the old geezer, and he’s even contemplating wheeling in his new eco-friendly hybrid wheelchair for you!”

The restaurant’s post, which received 4,085 likes, amassed hundreds of comments praising the establishment’s response.

Carla Speight, the founder of a talent and PR agency, commented: “As someone who manages influencers and celebrities, I’ve got to say this behavior is appalling!

“It’s an example of gross entitlement that doesn’t reflect the rest of the industry. 

“Just some spoilt child that I’m guessing has less than 1 million followers (probably less than 100k with that attitude). 

“I’m guessing they have a feed stuffed with selfies, inspirational quotes in the captions, and no actual value in their contribution to social media?”

You can read the influencer’s angered response below:

Image credits: lucky_ramenandsushi

Many people were demanding the restaurant reveal the identity of the culprit, while another person quipped: “Hey was wondering if I can come in for a free meal. In return, I will eat your food.”

A separate individual chimed in: “I don’t get it, they’re offering you FREE labor and POSITIVE vibes!! Who could resist that?!?”

Meanwhile, another restaurant named Sandwich King claimed they had been subjected to the same treatment from the same influencer, as they wrote: “She sent me the same one. Imagine if I accepted for the lols and brought her a jam sandwich from my apartment.”

The impact of social media on restaurant businesses manifests itself through both advantages and disadvantages, creative digital marketing agency Casa Media writes on its website.

On one hand, social media platforms are the new ‘place to be’ for reviews, and information is instantly available to those who need it. Additionally, it can bring a restaurant more traffic and improve searchability.

However, social media also means that negativity is spread at a higher rate. Moreover, negative experiences have a big influence on a restaurant’s brand and customer retention.

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