Some NYC restaurants saying 'no' to influencers

While some restaurants may welcome the exposure they can get from social media influencers, others are beginning to push back, saying they're tired of providing free meals in exchange for internet exposure.
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[@PlantMusicLife]

The idea there are people out there who are entitled enough to ask restaurants for free meals in exchange for making themselves a nuisance to other customers is sickening. I hope every restaurant does this in the future.

[@sylviafoo4123]

It is not a good idea for every restaurant to enforce that kind of rule.

[@shotjohnny]

This used to be a good idea because if a restaurant had to pay for this kind of publicity, they'd have to pay A LOT more than comping an influencer who has thousands of followers their $25 meal. Clearly, the restaurant owners wouldn't agree to "this exchange" if it wasn't in their best interest.

[@robertspencer6085]

Oh BTW the “influencer “ they ain’t chit but modern day panhandlers. I don’t use TikTok to get advice from some idiot scamming free food. That’s what the food channel is for.

[@krdiaz8026]

@@shotjohnny The thing is too many influencers think they have a lot of influence when they actually don't. It used to be that the restaurants either invite the influencer for a free meal in exchange for publicity, or the influencer intends to pay for the meal but when the owner of the restaurant knows that that person is very influential the meal becomes on the house. A problem arises when an influencer with a thousand or so followers comes in, orders everything, then when the bills comes they say they are so-and-so and expect the meal to be free.

[@shotjohnny]

@@krdiaz8026 But you can be as full of S, and feel as entitled as you want to be... if the restaurant doesn't want to comp your meal, you'll still have to pay for the food you just ordered and ate. It's not like "a non-influencer" is going to walk out without paying for their meal. And just because someone "expects" a free meal, does not mean they're going to get it. Btw, restaurants don't have to comp your meal at all -- even if you have millions of followers -- IF they don't want to. They do it because it's mutually beneficial and often the influencer shows them the # of their followers etc. before they receive compensation. But this practice has kinda become old and overused, so some restaurants are less likely to continue with it.

[@zachhoog]

I work with brands and creators all the time - I also know quite a few high end restaurant owners and managers. The horror stories I've heard about influencers wanting free meals and throwing fits about not getting them, is horrific..

[@dens3096]

I hope you are being sarcastic

[@Matt-fl8uy]

@@dens3096 Nope, happens pretty frequently. Often times they'll wait till the end of the meal and then want it completely free (including no tip) and, more often than not, they have less than 100k followers (and those are sometimes of dubious origins). A legit influencer should email a week or more ahead, share their socials and the ask, and then respect what the restaurant decides. That's what professionals do.

[@jbjacobs9514]

@@dens3096 You live in the real world? People are just impossible now. They take a picture or say your name and expect free things. I see it all over YT - people are just asking for things all the time. I am not talking about food challenge people or those we know are just people who try foods and tell you about them. These are people that THINK they are a brand or special and are not. They are this generation's Kartrashians and Paris Hiltons.

[@bethclark9319]

Not just restaurants, mom-and-pop shops, and hotels. They want something for free, and then if you say no, they are rude, disrespectful, and throw things. I also had a bad experience with these spoiled brats.

[@doctorpanigrahi9975]

Free loaders

[@davidortiz3094]

I swear social media made people unbearable

[@d.lawrence5670]

Humans have always been unbearable. Social media just made it more so.

[@TheMoneyMakingMentor]

Many of these influencers are in for a rude awakening when they no longer have any influence and will need to find a real job. All things will eventually fade away.

[@stevenej9894]

YESSS! A restaurant meal should be a time to enjoy food and company, not to be making content. Influencers, remember that other diners are PAYING for this experience, even if you're not.

[@ST-rj8iu]

exactly. If you are just going to look at your phone the whole time, stay home. Why did you leave your house?

[@ok.ok.5735]

I don’t see anything wrong with it but trying to flash photos wouldn’t be okay or trying to extort free food from a business just because your an influencer is low and wrong on so many levels,

[@cwg9238]

also youre not entitled to record people in private property if they choose not to allow it. many of them are just there to obnoxious or to disturb people as a "prank" anyway.

[@tiefblau2780]

*America* *the* *land* *of* *Entitlement* *especially* *for* *certain* *SPECIE*

[@electrictroy2010]

@C WG under New York law (and federal law) a mall, store, restaurant is labeled a “public facility” because it’s private property but open access to all. So for example if someone filmed you in a restaurant, you cannot sue them. The judge would simply say “There is no expectation of privacy in a public facility. Citizens may be videorecorded at any time.”

[@blschafer4310]

The sad fact that we have 'influencers' says a lot about where society is headed.

[@blschafer4310]

@@loic33n Still do. 🤣

[@summerruby201]

I see a lot of potential in this policy. It will give people the chance to disconnect from thier phones, and reconnect with people.

[@oladeebiazazi4538]

Lol we don’t want to connect with people that’s why we have are phones

[@evanfogherty5161]

@@marcelluswiley9032 People in Europe don't brush their teeth and say cheerio a lot

[@testaccount1055]

Not quite…..take away the phones and restaurant owners may lose all the buzz. If the restaurants clientele is older, it would be fine as the genration is different and can rely on word of mouth as they always had but old ppl are going to die soon, it’s not a sustainable customer base, you need younger customers. Restaurants need ppl to take pics of their food and drum up business online. This is how everyone went crazy for taiyaki, insomnia cookies, and etc and all those types of places. Before going to any restaurant, I look at yelp reviews, pics (I ignore pics from the owners cuz they’re staged and placed in the best light). I equate this with Amazon purchases actually lmao. I trust and wnT to see what other ppl say and post cuz they’re the most authentic. I don’t trust the descriptions and pictures posted by the seller.

[@summerruby201]

@@marcelluswiley9032 I would, if I actually like bars, haha. But I believe you.

[@euko7469]

you say this while on a screen yourself, the pretentiousness and lack of self-awareness is mind boggling

[@openminds8765]

Paying 💰 for an "influencer's" meal or any other service makes them automatically disqualified - they are biased by compensation 💰

[@bilogskii2216]

There's nothing wrong about taking a photo or two before eating your food. Just don't be too obnoxious about it and disrupt other customers. edit: What I mean is if my wife go on a place where we have never been before, I would like to take a pic of both of us (with the food not the food itself) just so when after we grow old and could barely leave the house anymore, we would still have these memories that we could look at from time to time and make fond conversation out of it. Again it might be a little obnoxious but I would tolerate it if someone else do it. Being an "influencer" in a restaurant would be a completely different thing.

[@nashambenyisrael7689]

I don't think this is what it's referring to with the police. I think it's actually big influencers with followings asking for a free meal just take make clout. The average person, I don't think is considered in this policy.

[@clairewillow6475]

It’s obnoxious regardless

[@johnwong5317]

It's about influencers who want free products to "promote" the locations. It's not just restaurant, but other stores as well where they want to ask for free things or they will tell theirs followers to avoid locations on theirs "blacklist".

[@OldLordSpeedy]

I start with that after I send pictures of that to my friends how lives miles away (also I start online 1999). Later I put some photos at Google Maps so that people can see self the food. 😂 Every photo can describe more as a book site sometimes. 😮 Of course, I pay all my things and food self as customer and I never ask Google Maps for money!

[@CAC6363]

Notnimg wrong, but that’s the point? When I go out to eat I want to eat and be with whoever is there, not snap food pics… nor would I enjoy ppl flashing pics while I’m out eating… the only reason is ppl need to me liked online kinda weird…

[@massapower]

BRAVO on the restaurant owner !😁👍🏻

[@dens3096]

Who goes to Harlem? Lmao

[@Matt-fl8uy]

@@dens3096 Bill and Hillary Clinton, among others.

[@qman66]

Bravo for what? Seems like a dumb policy

[@electrictroy2010]

NONSENSE because 100,000 followers (more commonly 10,000 average) is nothing. An ad on New York TV will reach 14,000,000 people. Radio advertising reaches 10,000,000 So no you’re not getting a free meal just because you have 10,000 followers. It isn’t worth the cost to myself .

[@massapower]

@@electrictroy2010YUP.. Your the Genius !😑😏

[@thunderdrummerdude]

I hope everyone keeps this trend going. Especially at concerts! To quote one of my favorite movie characters Ferris Bueller, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once and a while, you could miss it.” 👍

[@RaveN_EDM]

Human memory is also shockingly terrible over time, like 10 years ago you only accurately remember less than half of the events, the rest of it is false memories or stuff we forget and our brain fills in the gaps. Recordings don’t lie, there’s so many times in my life I wish I recorded because my memory is inaccurate and doesn’t match with the people I was there with. It’s good to do a little bit of both, don’t spend the entire concert recording but spending 5min so you can relive the moment years from now is worth it. I wish I took more pictures and videos of loved ones who passed away, not to upload to social media but to keep in storage and cloud so I’ll always have the real memories when mine fade.

[@cattysplat]

That was during the 80s too, when everything was still analogue. Things only get faster and crazier.

[@doody244]

@@RaveN_EDM I agree with you. There is a healthy balance. Let’s say I’m attending a concert that is around 2 hours. I’ll record a total of a five minutes to have a memory without missing the actual show. Of course at something like a musical I don’t record at all as it’s not permitted. When that’s the case I take a few pictures at curtain call.

[@ultraslang]

I've been to a few "no phone no camera shows".

[@RaveN_EDM]

@@ultraslang I’ve never seen strict no phones I do see places ask to silence ringers and lower brightness and prohibit flash photography but these days flash isn’t really needed anyways

[@theoracle888]

I applaud restaurants who make these types of decisions. This world is made up of so many diverse people and tons of dining establishments. It's nice to know there are some places to go to have and enjoy a pleasant dining experience, free from superficial distractions.

[@graziminasge]

The owner of this restaurant is spot on! Imagine the confusion people order their dishes and instead of enjoying them in peace, they keep taking pictures or recording videos... This certainly bothers anyone who's just wanting to enjoy a meal and nothing else.

[@f12pushthekeys]

how does a person at a dfferent table bother you? maybe u should eat home where you can avoid society alltogether.

[@gregsummerson6524]

Oh yes New York , I want to enjoy my meal and just happen to look out the window and see someone taking a dump! Ah that’s what I call ambience.

[@electrictroy2010]

None of the NYC restaurants I visited had Windows looking at the street. You go inside & feel protected from the outside hustle and bustle

[@gregsummerson6524]

@@electrictroy2010 oh , nobody ever mentioned that, this is good to hear.

[@stevenpaplan7154]

Lol. As a professional cook. I can't tell you how often I get confused because I'll get an order and the server will be like "this person is an influencer." Than I'm like "ok"..... Than I make them there food. Shits weird. I don't care. I just make what the ticket says

[@electrictroy2010]

I guess the server thinks you’ll be extra cautious not to make a mistake when doing the food

[@jen5714]

Maybe they want you to spit in it.

[@coldblooded568]

I agree. I don't want to see people doing all that partying video stuff when I go out to eat.

[@rottdog7864]

How fragile are you?

[@coldblooded568]

@@rottdog7864 it's just annoying and ghetto.

[@Star-du6yz]

Stay home

[@jaketapper8910]

@@Star-du6yz "I'M TOO MUCH OF AN IDIOT NOT TO ACT LIKE I'M A 5 YEAR OLD OUT IN PUBLIC" -Star "The Brainless"

[@Star-du6yz]

@jaketapper8910 sure Mr so mature 🙄

[@melvin5818]

i dont really care what the guy or girl next table is really doing with their food. i am focus on eating my food.

[@Lonniepsangel]

You must not eat out a lot!

[@clairewillow6475]

What annoys me the most is when people play videos on their phones without headphones. I rly hate ppl sometimes. Yay to the restaurant (reverence) for making this policy ❤

[@jasonmoore1900]

I agree! Its simply noise pollution!!

[@searphhoney]

I don't mind seeing people taking photos of their food. I always look at Yelp food photos before trying a new restaurant.

[@robertpalmer3166]

How sad for you.

[@TheCristallo83]

Same. No photos of food makes me wonder what the restaurant is trying to hide.

[@robertpalmer3166]

@@TheCristallo83 You really aren't very smart.

[@e.turduckeny630]

@@robertpalmer3166 Why? Lots of people find the photos helpful. Nothing sad about it. Let's a person see portion size, the photos sometimes indicate how small/or crowded the space is, etc.

[@robertpalmer3166]

@@e.turduckeny630 The internet kills a sense of wonder and discovery. Go find out yourself. One less than perfect experience isn't going to kill you.

[@TheGardenMG]

I travel internationally a lot and often times, I relay on pictures on Google Map to pick a restaurant to eat, and I rarely get disappointed. There's absolutely nothing wrong to take picture of your food, as long as it doesn't bothers anyone else around you.

[@ODK321]

That's different. I have taken pics of food and put it in the Google reviews. Nothing wrong with that. I wasn't expecting a free meal and I didn't make a spectacle out of it. Just quickly took a pic and posted a review on Google. These are people who are "influencers" and posting stuff on their personal social media so that their followers can see it (and more than likely NEVER go to that restaurant). Kind of acting as a guerilla marketing agent on behalf of the restaurants. These restaurants are saying they don't want that agent and they will not give them free food either. It's a different situation.

[@justanothermortal1373]

As someone who absolutely hates influencers, I see this as a win.

[@dm-jf5uu]

This should happen everywhere

[@adis.g6569]

one influencer faced backlash in Indonesia

[@grantglow4206]

@@adis.g6569 good the offer the death penalty

[@thepearlswirl]

💯

[@melovetorun]

No it shouldn’t. There’s nothing wrong with taking a quick picture.

[@OceanicPearlz1]

Agreed

[@chewygaming1]

Those who overdo it ruin it for everyone. I think photos are great for memories.

[@mattschurenko3032]

yes but do you really need to capture the memory of a meal? what about a cup of coffee, a glass of wine? I think we need to take it easy with all of these pictures, it's gotten kind of ridiculous.

[@drewvergus9433]

@@mattschurenko3032 exactly I think giving eveyone the ability to take photos whenever is a bad idea. we should require a license to take photos and take away people's ability to take them whenever they want

[@JLG629]

Banning them is a good idea, but offering free cleaning and charging in exchange to do so is practically genius

[@Dontworryboutit315]

Yeah real smart idea to give your phone to some random employee so they can plug it into whatever they want while they do your complimentary charge and cleaning? Wtf lol can’t wipe off your own phone?

[@yosenpaitommy213]

Honestly good for him, so over this generation of trash and entitlement. The whole influencer and follower concept was always disgusting and unhealthy needs to be burned to the ground. The “influencer” needs to get a real job, and the “ followers” needs to get a real life experience.

[@damianciceri2687]

Influencers are like the popular kids in High school that want all the attention and yet add no value. Glamorized idiots.

[@Realtalknewyorkwithjanique]

Some influences can be annoying attention seekers. Some people just want to relax without all that fuss I don’t blame him!

[@pcrxz]

Personally, I don't really use social media. But, I do like to take pictures of places I've been to just because I'm a sentimental person and I like taking pictures not to post on social media but for keepsakes, and sometimes i take pictures of the food I eat, especially if it's good... and i share it to my parents and siblings who I wish i could share the food with too. If I'm sitting in my own table, minding my own business, being quiet, not being obnoxious or inconsiderate of others, being mindful, I don't think it's that bad to take pictures... I get how some influencers can be so loud and to think some would use flash photography in the middle of a busy restaurant is... wild to me... but not everyone who takes pictures do it for clout or to brag. Sometimes, they just want to capture moments and share their experiences with those closest to them. Many first gen immigrants/workers who's especially close with their family back home, missing them, wishing they were there, might be able to relate somehow... I guess.

[@kevingarris198]

Every commercial establishment should have its normal pricing structure, and then a separate one which includes a "studio sur charge" for "celebrities" wishing to film on the premises.

[@hamzerpanzer]

How do you differentiate a celebrity from a regular person who's just taking some picturea for fun?

[@philosopherkingzant2037]

Life without influencers is more peaceful

[@JasonT850]

Social media has influenced others to become influencers. I remember a day way back when, when we sat as a family and had dinner. No TV. Back then we didn't have cell phones or social media but we sat and talked with each other. Those days are gone sadly.

[@letsgowalk]

Most of the people taking pictures of the food and the atmosphere are NOT influencers looking for a free meal. They are just regular people happy to be dining out, and keeping momentos of their joyful occasion. This will alienate a lot of potential patrons.

[@mattschurenko3032]

I think it's also to force people to focus more on the food and the ambiance instead of checking their phone every 30 seconds, taking pictures etc. People need to learn to enjoy the moment rather than trying to capture it and share it on instagram. It's kind of sad really

[@megsley]

cry harder. meanwhile, the rest of us will be enjoying our food and the company! 😂😂😂

[@good1day726]

@@mattschurenko3032 that there is a phrase ‘in the moment’ is more telling, if this was said to a person 30+ years ago they’d stare, waiting 😂 for the context, it would make no sense. Or the phrase ‘people need to...’; 🤮 these aren’t indicators of an articulate conversation about to happen, or able to happen. Those are media sound bites, they are repeated constantly, stringing them together isnt going to help much. social media is just a part of it and is blamed bc it seems obtrusive.

[@DarkenedX08]

@@megsley Seeing as you're a comment troll, I doubt that you'll be enjoying their food (or even sunlight) for the time being.

[@Luisjusthere]

Good! It’s one thing if say literally a handful do it to get a free meal for the publicity but let’s be honest, nowadays EVERYONE wants to call themselves an influencer which eventually these restaurants and business are giving free stuff away to everyone. As far as the distraction from the flashes it’s so true, there was even one time I saw a girl whip out this square device that had like 100 LED lights and light up the entire room blinding us all just to get some better light for the plate and drinks! Wtf! The room was already dark and for a reason. Kudos to this restaurant owner and hope others follow his example.

[@electrictroy2010]

10,000 followers is nothing. An ad on New York TV will reach 14,000,000 people. Radio advertising reaches 10,000,000 So no you’re not getting a free meal just because you have 10,000 followers. It isn’t worth the cost to myself .

[@mikelee9173]

Yes this is amazing! I 100% back this decision, nothing more annoying than influencers encroaching in places where you just want to have a good time.

[@supremeking4410]

Then don’t pay attention and focus on your food

[@sylviafoo4123]

This is NOT amazing. Influencers have the right to do what they want to do as long as what they are doing does not involve harming other people.

[@mikelee9173]

@Sylvia Foo you just proved how entitled and narcissistic influencers (and people who back influencers) are. This is a private business and the chef / owner can make whatever rules they want. The world doesn't revolve around YOU! Nice try bye Felicia!

[@sylviafoo4123]

@@mikelee9173 My name is not Felicia. How did I prove that influencers are narcissistic?

[@sylviafoo4123]

@@mikelee9173 Also I never said the world revolves around me. BYE! Have a great day!

[@johnnyfive1412]

Remember what South Park did with influencers in restaurants? They added something special to their meals.

[@JohnS-er7jh]

interesting because there is a coffee chain in the Northwest that setup their Cafe's so that customers taking pictures is encourage (including ensuring the lighting is good for pictures). The owner of the cafe's see it as free advertising for his business. Personally I wouldn't care to go to a business (store, restaurant, health club, etc.) and want others taking a picture/video of me (another paying customer, it's Not a public space, its a private business.

[@verreal]

If they eat free, it isn't cool.

[@electrictroy2010]

Under state & federal laws, malls, stores, restaurants are “public facilities” because they are open to the public. If you tried to sue someone for taking your photo, the judge would say you have no expectation of privacy in a public facility. Citizens may be videorecorded at any time

[@ddeniz125]

This is gold !!! I used to work at restaurants and it was sad to see family/couples being on the phone instead of chatting…

[@fazediscovery5]

I totally agree with no longer giving influence free because your a influencer doesn’t mean you should get special treatment but if someone is simply is on their phone and not doing the bothering anyone you can’t legally make them put away

[@Theozy1123]

Being a private business yes they can. It’s a to each his own because if you don’t like it don’t come in simple

[@peytonfwright]

LMAO they literally can

[@dpurdyciv4417]

Lol they can literally tell you to leave if you don’t and then if you choose to stay you will be trespassed. Dumbass.

[@monsieur-le-chupacabra]

Yes, they can. Restaurants have the right to refuse you service, so if you don’t want to comply, they can simply kick you out.

[@chouseification]

of course they can, and if you refuse to leave, they can have you charged with trespassing!!!

[@powellpker]

this needs to happen in gyms

[@mattschurenko3032]

this needs to happen everywhere. we are addicted to checking our stupid phones constantly and it's a real problem.

[@drewvergus9433]

phones should just be banned from all public places

[@rayrichardson8975]

Wasn't this type of thing on South Park, the yelp reviews with Randy😂😂😂😂

[@williamrusso3130]

I would literally go out of my way to find one of these restaurants.

[@juliaweber212]

Me too

[@irvingwright8680]

I see comments on here taking about twerking and partying. How is that associated with someone wanting to record their food at the table lol. How does my phone and food bother you ? And the owner is concern about comp meals. Well you can say no. But to tell me I can’t use my phone in this generations is insane. TikTok foodie influencers actually drive traffic to restaurant. I support them !

[@drewvergus9433]

you don't need your phone, we survived thousands of years without them. I think they should go even further and confiscate phones at the door

[@electrictroy2010]

10,000 followers is nothing. An ad on New York TV will reach 14,000,000 people. Radio advertising reaches 10,000,000 So no you’re not getting a free meal just because you have 10,000 followers. It isn’t worth the cost to myself .

[@randomworld4662]

The restaurant maybe fear of canceling 😂

[@wileecoyote5749]

"Influencer" Person with cellphone

[@johnconor2152]

if U want to be on your phone while you eat just pick up and order😂😂😂😂

[@KandiaHaynesworth]

Restaurants afraid of people taking pictures of food is concerning 😮

[@sylviafoo4123]

I don’t see what is wrong with people taking pictures of their food.

[@mattschurenko3032]

I don't think they're afraid; they just want to create a distraction free atmosphere which I 100 % agree with. aside from movie theatres I can't think of any other place where you are expected to not use your phone and frankly we need more of them

[@Type1DomoGuy]

So restaurants want no free advertizing? Ok than. 😂😂😂

[@domaniquematthewz7413]

I understand why. But you don’t have to comp any influencer for their meal. You make that choice as a owner. This is a generational gap issue mostly.

[@janityy]

it isn't though it's a common sense don't be an aishole keep the peace issue I don't give a fuck about other people's bullshit thinking they stars a shit I take care of people who are blind and deaf I know someone who just got in a car accident and another person just found out has cancer people work hard and would like to go out and have a nice meal in peace . I am crippled it is painful and hard for me to get around people are very nice to be and not rude for the most part . u cannot just comment on ure little fake bubble of reality is all ranges of ages disability ,income all of it in the world It isn't all about u!!!!! if I see someone filming i will report to the manager than I will get up and leave after I pay for meal and get it to go turn off ure stupid fucking phone and stop filming people in the background or ure gonna get a lawsuit served to u grow up wake up and think of everyone and all the pain in the world be considerate and not an aisholes real fucking simple

[@sylviafoo4123]

Influencers can still go to restaurants to eat and pay for what they order. To me, the no technology policy is a stupid policy. As you have mentioned, restaurant owners do not have to comp any influencer for their meal. They can still have the influencers pay for what they order and let the influencers do what they want to do.

[@smorris281]

Generational gap issue, just like Gen z’s wanting a $5 tip for handing you your order out a drive thru window!

[@ShimmerScarlet]

​​@@smorris281 Gee, I wonder which generation made it so that waiters and waitresses get less than minimum wage and basically live or die on the implemented tipping system? I wonder which generations let the inflation of the dollar go up for decades on end without even remotely adjusting the pay people earned to coincide with it. Which generation has made things an uphill struggle and then gets upset when another generation expects decent pay, or heaven forbid, common decency? I'm not even Gen Z myself, but I can see the BS that people turn a blind eye to, in order to justify their grandstanding and complaints.

[@chanellevanterpool8747]

I don't blame them

[@ceeIoc]

Not a good business move imo. There needs to be balance.

[@brett8460]

An "influencer" has never influenced me to buy anything.

[@buckfuddy5561]

If anything.. they show me what not to do/buy😂

[@rylandplassmann9095]

I'll happily read the Coffee News instead of my phone. I just wished more restaurants carried it.

[@joemonteirosportsshorts3343]

Not gonna lie, I do sometimes take pictures of my food only to send to my friend though

[@YoutubeJust-md7pf]

You’re not being these dudes. Don’t flash if you’re in a nice restaurant maybe take a picture without it if not do your best and photograph it in your memory. If you can afford to dine you can afford to do that again.

[@jaketapper8910]

There is a big difference taking a quick snapshot of your food compared to recording the entire meal talking loud and trying to take command of your immediate area in a private business.

[@blackout07blue]

You’re kicked out.

[@smorris281]

I used to do that too, and then I grew up.

[@jearauz]

Taking photos to share with your friends is fine. The issue is the crap some “influencers“ wants to pull out like having free meal for posting a picture in Instagram.

[@jbjacobs9514]

I am torn on this situation. Part of me likes the idea of people just getting off their darn phones and pictures and telling them to actually interact with each other or why do you go out with people? I personally focus on the food and eating and my meal. It is their restaurant, so they can decide their rules. If they are not someone that offers a food challenge, then it is fine. On the other hand, nowadays, I can see people wanting to take pictures for their friends saying hey, this place is great. NOT the people for instagram. I am so sick of seeing board FLOODED with pictures of food and nothing else and trying to get things free for it. Wanting a free meal for what? For a picture? You're not a product market advertiser. Leave that to the professionals. But I wouldn't want to get rid of the challenge people like Notorious B.O.B., Raina Huang, Beard Meets Food, etc doing a challenge and not being able to film.

[@davidempire4874]

This is ridiculous. The influencers can help spread the word of the restaurant. This restaurant better go out of business.

[@peytonfwright]

you can't put the phone down for one meal?

[@sylviafoo4123]

EXACTLY! The influencers are telling people about the restaurant. That could mean they will get more customers. More customers means more money.

[@mattschurenko3032]

word of mouth is often good enough. believe it or not there were successful restaurants before social media influencers existed

[@JohnS-ch7cr]

This is a pretty stupid idea. I'm not talking about comping influencers meals, I assume the majority of them pay for their meals anyway I am referring to banning pictures or phones while dining. I don't care to take pictures of my food but why impose restrictions against people from taking pictures? These are casual restaurants as far as I can see. Same industry was crying about government restrictions during covid and now they're implementing their own self imposed restrictions.

[@mattschurenko3032]

I think it's great. you don't have to eat there if you don't like it. it's their restaurant so they can do as they wish. I wish their were more place like this

[@JohnS-ch7cr]

@@mattschurenko3032 I'm not saying they should or should not be allowed to impose restrictions in their own restaurants, I'm saying I think its a bad idea for them business wise. Just as you like to view this from the restaurant owners point of view on how they can do as they wish you do realize patrons will also feel that they should be able to do as they wish and that isn't going to be good overall for business

[@jong9379]

Unfortunately this kind of policy is not really practical in this day and age. Culture has changed a lot in the past 10 or 15 years. And its changing nearly exponentially nowadays. You got to keep up with modern day trends to remain competitive. And in the restaurant business, you literally have no choice but to remain competitive to even survive.

[@mattschurenko3032]

if they have great food then I doubt it will matter. I actually think this could be the start of a "no phone" movement which we sorely need. there used to be a time when pulling out your phone in mid conversation was considered incredibly rude (it still is IMO). we need to get back to appreciating the moment and not worrying about what people will think about us if we post what we're doing on instagram

[@sybylo]

Wait so even taking a quick picture of my plate is obnoxious? Of something I paid for?

[@Royalsprincess1]

I'm also totally down for "no photos" "no flash photography". But don't treat me like a kid and that I can't have my phone out at the dinner table. I'm the adult and I'm paying for my meal. I use my phone for WAY MORE than just that. I may be messaging my parents, that are handicapped, I may be showing someone a photo from an experience I had in past, showing is sometimes better than explaining, etc.

[@a.katherinesuetterlin3028]

Here's a solution for the influencers who absolutely must take photos of their food: order food to go, take it home or have it delivered (DoorDash or GrubHub are good options), and then take allll the pics you want. Your food will get cold, but hey, you've got a microwave, right? And you still get to promote a restaurant you love. You simply won't be able to promote the ambiance a restaurant has. So ask yourself: go to a restaurant but not be able to take pics, or take that establishment's fare home and bust out all the Instagram shots you want?

[@jennwang9666]

What about tourists or people who are celebrating special occasions and want photos of company or their night out? I get that they can just visit a different restaurant, but in my opinion most people who take photos of their food aren't influencers.

[@a.katherinesuetterlin3028]

@@jennwang9666 Oh, I get that. But the video was focusing specifically on the ones who get on TikTok, Instagram, etc, and are constantly having their phones out, taking videos and pictures of the food, the restaurant itself -- and if the light is dim, the flash functions are always on. To some people, such things are distracting, and it's seen as a sign that people are more interested in using the technology to gain popularity, rather than setting the phone aside and fully enjoying the moment as it is, with or without other people. As to your question about people being tourists, or people who want to take photos with family, I personally understand where you're coming from. People often love trying new food, especially with loved ones. And if they're visual people and want to commemorate a good time with a photo of their dish, as well as their beloveds, I think that should be allowed. But I also understand where that restaurant owner is coming from. There are people who come in and want free meals in exchange for giving out what they see as "free publicity". A restaurant is ultimately a business. They cannot keep giving away free meals, even if it means they get good shout-outs from food blogger/vloggers. So that's why I mentioned what I did about a take-out option for the would-be influencers on socials. It's a win-win: they get to take whatever photos they want, and others aren't disturbed by the constant use of camera flashes in what might otherwise possibly be a dimly lit romantic setting (because who wants a camera inadvertently aimed at them when they're about to sneak a kiss in what should be a private-ish booth?) I think if I were destined to run a restaurant, I'd be inclined to design the place with separate areas. One area would be for the influencers with their allegiance to their phones and followers, and another area would be for the ones who have the ability to put their phones down and be more "Zen" and in the moment. In other words, it would be akin to how it was when I was growing up and there'd be sections for smoking and sections for non-smoking. These days, would-be influencers with their phones is kinda the new "smoking," because they can't seem to put their phones down long enough to just enjoy their meal. They're addicted not just to tech, but to the idea of being popular.

[@drewvergus9433]

i dont think they should even be allowed to do that. food is for eating not for taking photos of

[@a.katherinesuetterlin3028]

@@drewvergus9433 Okaaay, so what about food bloggers who make their own recipes and post the results to share with others who love cooking and baking? By your thinking, they shouldn't take photos of their creations to show what the final product should look like. And as a foodie who loves both photography and food, I find your strict thinking a bit too strict. I mean, come on! Think about the last dish you ate. Half the fun of eating food is enjoying how it looks. If food looks unappealing, it's not gonna be eaten by much of anyone, including yourself. I understand, to an extent, where you might be coming from. Too many people focusing on the photos and not on actually sitting and eating. That I can see. And the restaurant owners need to keep their business afloat, so constantly comping would-be influencers would bankrupt them. That being said, if one were to follow your thinking all the way to its logical/illogical extreme, nobody would ever succeed as a food blogger, sharing their passion of cooking with the world. How are they gonna do that without taking photos of their finished product? So I would recommend thinking something through thoroughly before making a blanket statement that could be easily misinterpreted, especially in text form...without pictures, or further elaboration.

[@a.katherinesuetterlin3028]

@Bethany Jimenez I used to work in a casino, in the food department. One key thing I learned in training class about any kind of addiction, particular psychological addictions like gambling and using tech tools (just for example), is that with some people, the "pleasure center" in the brain lights up in a way where they actually get addicted to the chemicals/hormones released in the brain. It's the old Pavlovian reaction thing gone completely haywire. Add in the human desire to be liked and popular, toss in a few big dashes of gender-based manufactured insecurity and pepper heavily with "you're not cool enough if you're not doing or being X thing" and ta-da...you have a group of people whose brains light up all the more with all those "likes" and "subscribes", letting their personal value hinge on how many likes they have on a post. Actual smoking addiction is different in that you're more chemically addicted than psychologically so, but psychology does play a role. And theeeen, you have the older generations (older than mine -- I'm only 45) who want to act like they're so much better because they never had smartphones, computers. They're addicted to their egos in that way, which is just as annoying. I'm that "bridge" generation. Young enough to interface well with most modern tech, but old enough to remember when rotary phones were still a thing, and the internet wasn't even a gleam in people's eyes yet. I know better than to judge heavily, but I also know how to get Zen and know that my worth is not hinged on how popular I might or might not be. Whatever successful career I have online will happen when it's meant to, and it shouldn't be forced. I know I wrote a long reply, but I felt the inner prompt to elaborate on my position. 😅

[@mrbobo86]

I'd be curious to see if this restaurant continues to stay in business

[@robertpalmer3166]

Of course it will. Normal people will continue to go there.

[@blackout07blue]

If I can’t use my phone for internet, then i ain’t going.

[@michaelorfanos7416]

@@blackout07blue You may not be the kind of person who can pay or even go there. They sell good food, not the internet.

[@lisab.1595]

I'd be curious how long influencers are around. I would say the answer to that is, until the free meals stop. Just another bunch of people starved for attention and can't get it any other way.

[@robertpalmer3166]

@@blackout07blue Nobody cares.

[@cmndrkool321]

Influencers are living, walking, talking commercials, and are more annoying IRL than they are on TV.

[@AntiJeffreyMcCrayCommunity]

Driving customers away. 😂

[@MaterLacrymarum]

This is what we've become. We have to have rules in place to make us be in the moment, to simply enjoy the food, and the company of others. "Influencers" are simply people who don't want to pay their way through life.

[@ShandaP018]

They were getting free meals from some restaurants ?! I didn't know that.

[@FawxDaddy]

Wow, people can finally enjoy their meals without being filmed in the background like the good old days.

[@samhelfrich2901]

When I have a dinner at my house and people come over, I ask them to turn their phones off and leave them in a basket by the door. We're having dinner and face-to-face conversations, there is no time for phones. 😉

[@911jayishsupremacy]

Maybe because bad restaurants don’t want to expose the bad business flaws as there are more cons than pro.

[@robertpalmer3166]

Maybe you have no idea what you are talking about.

[@electrictroy2010]

10,000 followers is nothing. An ad on New York TV will reach 14,000,000 people. Radio advertising reaches 10,000,000 So no you’re not getting a free meal just because you have 10,000 followers. It isn’t worth the cost to myself .

[@user-up3tv2ei7g]

The only thing influencers "influence" me to do is to never follow their page.

[@cybersid]

This is a global problem. The restaurant owners are right in their position.

[@iomis2001]

I get the no influencers, but asking people to put their phone away or turn the sound down is going to be hard.

[@lisetteeliseparis7070]

Right on! Patrons will talk to one another instead of focusing on the phone.

[@BIGPIN1]

That’s wild they promoting your business

[@sylviafoo4123]

EXACTLY!

[@pokemon9573]

It's their business, they can run it how they want. Personally, I think banning phones altogether is dumb. If you cannot control yourself from picking up a phone as you eat at a restaurant, then you need more help than just an hour session of no phones. Otherwise, it just infringes people's rights. While the restaurant has the right to operate as they wish, many normal people would skip it.

[@Nge3]

I agree, this seems ridiculous, impractical, and rather draconian, especially in today’s day and age.

[@KittenBowl1]

Lol “infringes people’s rights” Do you know laws kid? An owner of the restaurant or shop can deny your entry and can run the business as they wish. You obviously haven’t been to high end restaurants. No kids rule in many of them because people don’t want to be disturbed by screaming kids. Many high end cruises, packaged trips, restaurants are like that, no kids. Of course they can implement no phone rule as it’s disturbing other diners experience. Go to some casual dining and check your phone constantly to your heart contents. You would not want to be checking phones when you are paying $1000 per dinner per person. No one does. Have you even heard of table manners?

[@7hotfuzz7]

Need this for commercial gyms next...enough with people setting up video shoots all over the gym!

[@idiotrat2698]

influencers asking for free food in exchange for exposure is like asking someone for a free commission in exchange for exposure lmao

[@MuvaLaNegra]

Oh no...how will I know where to go and what's good out there😮

[@CeeCee6188]

Zagat!

[@micholakinola1053]

That part

[@tiffanycurtis4794]

I remember in my generation we went to dinner with friends or family we would talk to each other and laugh good drinks reminiscing 😁

[@jaysteinke6629]

Three words: TAKE IT HOME.

[@tabithabrown16]

Yasss!! And while we are on the subject....as grandma would say..."keep your damn elbows off the table lazies!"😂❤

[@Kadasberry11]

The people who are taking issue with this are the folks who make everyone at the table wait until they’ve taken photos of the food 😂 It’s one restaurant encouraging phones put away. They clearly can afford it so who cares. Super exclusive restaurants don’t allow phones either because of the clientele- so this ain’t new. Me and my friends used to put our phones in the center of the table and the first to reach would buy drinks or pick up the gratuity. Idk about y’all, but I don’t go out to eat with people just to be on my phone 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@RaveN_EDM]

Some people can do both, while waiting for a meal which can take a long time, I like to share stuff with my friends on my phone like show them pictures on my phone. I don’t think it’s good to have a strict no phones policy like for kids at school. Just kick out the people who can’t be respectful on their phones like talking loudly or playing TikTok videos loud and taking pictures of other people. Saying no phones at all while waiting in line and waiting for your food seems too much imo. A lot of times I like to look on google to see how the food looks like when the menu doesn’t have pictures and the descriptions are vague or maybe I want to calculate the servers tip. It’s a tool, not everyone misuses it, don’t punish everyone because some people are douchebags.

[@rusman40]

now we can't even make a video when we sing happy birthday

[@icarus2k]

Oh boo hoo

[@JohnS-er7jh]

yes you can, do at it at home (or I am sure some places will allow it). I know I will never go to a business where people are doing video/photo's of other customers and posting it online.

[@mattschurenko3032]

good point. let's ban happy birthday at restaurants as well. I can't think of anything more annoying than that

[@BlueJazzBoyNZ]

"Influencers" are Fluffing themselves Not the people actually building a business..

[@hueman9]

Have a sign that say "Human beings only, no Internet Character"

[@Rafick203]

I agrée, they get way out of hand. Too much theatrics

[@melbournebound5150]

It's about time. Influencers need to get real jobs....

[@Frankieefootballmundial]

That’s true you put someone suffer from fomo becuase there are people who want to enjoy that meal and you have people who can’t afford the dish

[@socallawrence]

Thank you !

[@TheCristallo83]

Every business is entitled to run their business as they want but as for me and my money, if I look online and don't see photos of the food, I simply don't visit. It makes me feel like you have something to hide.

[@mattschurenko3032]

they could probably hire somehow to take pics and publish them online. that's what I would be doing if I were them

[@TheCristallo83]

@@mattschurenko3032 Why would I trust someone hired by them? That's like trusting a car dealerships mechanic that the car you're looking at is perfectly fine.

[@blackout07blue]

Can’t use my phone for internet? Lol wut?

[@mattschurenko3032]

you require the internet to eat a nice meal? lol

[@boopdoop2251]

Do what you want but I personally won’t be dining somewhere that tells me not to use my phone. Restaurants have the right to refuse service to anyone, but I’m not going to any restaurant that tries to tell me not to use my own phone lol

[@choosetobefree]

Agree. You got to allow your guests use of phone even for contacting ride, checking on family/home or life things. maybe just sneaking in the momento photo.. But, by policing usage a certain way, yeah it's not natural either. it is totally understandable for the restaurant to set their own house rules, however I too would engage elsewhere if i can't freely choose or my options are restricted. Can see that the owner wants to rid the obnoxiousness factor of being hounded by screens or slandering reviews but if you can't achieve fair balance then the divide would be there. Though you'll get what you want- a lot of quiet. The dining hall in an old folks home is usually quiet too, not trying to be facetious.. (I'm partly in hospitality. if I told clientele to put away their phones, I'm likely not getting their return business. )

[@leeandrew2682]

think humanity has had enough influencers for a thousand years. totally agree with these no tech rules

[@itslikethesamebutdifferent8020]

There’s.a difference between an influencer taking videos, pix to show off to his followers and try to get a free meal VS me taking a pic of what I’m eating to show it to my own friends or maybe put it on Yelp. Plus these influencers make videos where they break down the food, pricing, establishment etc. which can be very disruptive to someone eating next to them.

[@mattschurenko3032]

yes there's a difference but I think banning both is a great idea

[@diegogonzalez7279]

Old fashioned indeed !!!! Beautiful!!

[@aaronlimitless]

How about you say you don’t comp them for meals and as long as you’re not being disruptive to other people, why does it matter

[@marckye1]

I get the "no free food" to influencers and no long videos detailing every single bite, but no phone at all? Are we back to the 90's? That is just obnoxious as influencers demanding free food.

[@mattschurenko3032]

why do you need to be looking at your phone when you go out? we need to learn how to socialize without having to look at our phones every 30 seconds. if something is important than excuse yourself from the table to then check your phone.

[@krunkle5136]

Love this. People need to socialize. Social media is not socializing.

[@boopdoop2251]

People need to choose for themselves what they want to do, not be treated like children.

[@cattysplat]

@@boopdoop2251 People who act like children get treated like children.

[@bobsburgers8109]

Says someone commenting on social media…

[@krunkle5136]

@@bobsburgers8109 gotta play the game.

[@electrictroy2010]

@Bob’s Burgers- KZbin, Rumble, Vimeo, Hulu, etc aren’t considered social media .

[@YouScareMe1]

I understand for people who come in to take videos and disturb customers but I don't see the problem with taking a quick picture of the food you are about to eat.

[@coleworld4385]

So I can’t have my phone but 90% of restaurants today have television. So, it’s not about anything other than y’all being sick of something that you don’t like to see. Well, the way this world works, as long as they aren’t hurting anyone, ITS NOT ALL ABOUT YOU. Get over yourselves and let people take pictures with their friends and family, their food, outfit, car… IT DOESNT HURT YOU. Make it make sense.

[@mattschurenko3032]

do they have TVs in this specific restaurant? if so then they should remove them too

[@KD_SWAGGER]

I don't understand having a no technology rule. This helps promote your business in various ways. If it doesn't make dollars than it doesn't make sense.

[@sylviafoo4123]

If restaurants enforce that rule they will lose a lot of customers. That also means they will lose a lot of money. The no technology rule is ridiculous.

[@KD_SWAGGER]

@@sylviafoo4123 Agreed!

[@nataliaromanova6535]

Not everyone who take photos or videos of their meal are influencers. I have friends, who if I tell them I went to a particular restaurant want to physically see what I had to eat or drink. My sisters do as well. Restaurants say it’s a nuisance but as soon as business gets low they’ll want the attention to increase business. 😂

[@mattschurenko3032]

isn't a good review of a meal enough to convince you to try something? why do you need pictures? this is something I will never understand.

[@sableann4255]

Good for them! Enough of this BS

[@brunomacedo7620]

I agree. Tired of social media...really.

[@lisab.1595]

Pathetic bunch taking food photos. I've had people send me photos of food in a restaurant and I think they're totally nuts. I know what food looks like, believe me. Get a life, do something constructive with your life . I don't care what you ate, and I certainly don't want to see photos of food because I think you have a mental problem.

[@arleensantos3397]

I wish more places would adopt this policy. It is very nice to go somewhere and actually see people sharing a meal with their noses out of the phone screen.

[@kellyammirati3259]

But that’s their business not your. Eat your food and shut the fxxkup.✊🏻..