A restaurant owner has shared the furious message they received from an influencer after calling them out publicly for asking for a free meal.
Influencer culture is an interesting one, where many brands reach out to those with a large following offering them something for free in exchange for promotion on their accounts.
However, one influencer was left enraged after they reached out to a restaurant to see about working together in exchange for some free food and got publicly called out by the restaurant for asking.
The exchange has since gone viral after the content creator hit back with a lengthy message, which was shared by the restaurant in question.
Lucky Ramen and Sushi, a restaurant based in Manchester, UK, was the destination of choice for the unnamed influencer, who reached out to ask if they'd comp her and her partner a brunch in exchange for promotion.
They wrote in a DM to the restaurant's account: "Hey sorry I know it’s short notice but I’m in Manchester tomorrow and looking for somewhere for brunch with my partner, would you be open for a collab with my for a post on my story and page?"
However, Lucky Ramen and Sushi was not so keen on the deal, sharing the message with the influencer's details removed on their own story, and telling their followers: "REALLY? Oh what a surprise! Another thrilling DM from a blue tick superstar asking for a free feast in exchange for an Insta Post.
"Because, you know, exposure pays the bills! We're just thrilled that you appreciate our food, but hey, we appreciate paying customers even more!"
And while there was no information shared in the post that could identify the influencer that was hoping to get their brunch for free, bar them having 36,000 followers, it appeared to rile them up when they realized they'd been publicly shamed.
The establishment shared a follow-up DM the disgruntled creator had sent them, writing: "Personally, I think you’re bang out of order. HOW DARE you try and expose us like that???
"So you think people like us don’t deserve to eat for FREE??? Just in case you didn’t realize, we are doing our best to help and promote you for FREEEE!!!"
She continued: "We don’t expect much, just a free meal to compensate our the time, labor, effort, and positive energy that we are supplying you.
"The fact that you wanna expose us influencers like that, we will not be coming by anytime soon to support."
They acknowledged that they'd heard that the restaurant had a "great busy vibe" and that the food looked good, but added: "Your arrogance makes me sick.
"Haha very funny, you got a couple giggles but we’re the ones that are laughing. We go where we want, eat what we want and lastly — it’s all for free! WHO’S LAUGHING NOW???"
The restaurant added their own clapback in the caption of their post, writing: "Dear angry influencer. Okay, aaalright… you got us! 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 - Swipe right to revisit yesterday’s exposé drama.
"But hold on, the new message we just got deserves more than a standing ovation! This follow-up DM is a total game-changer, and guess what? 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!
"Just hit us up with another DM, let us know when you’re swinging by to collect your well-deserved goodies, and don’t forget to leave a glowing 5-star review on both Google and TripAdvisor."
They concluded their post by writing: "We appreciate your understanding and, once again, sorry for the 'inconvenience' we caused. Bon appétit + Arigato-the-f*ck-outta-here, Team LÜCKY (unfluencer + no blue tick)."
People in the comments were quick to share their thoughts, with another local business adding: "She sent me the same one. Imagine if I accepted for the lols and brought her a jam sandwich from my apartment."
Others commented: "Hey was wondering if I can come in for a free meal. In return I will eat your food," and: "Honey they are booked. They don’t need your exposure. We are all queuing for tables. Gladly."
Many suggested that the restaurant should reveal who it was, writing: "Expose them. They don’t deserve a following with this type of attitude," "EXPOSE THEM! We all need to know. Some of these 'influencers' are hilarious," and: "I’m sure I speak for everyone when I say ANNOUNCE ACCOUNT."
One joked: "They must be broke influencers if they’re begging for a free meal. Name & Shame to return the support," while another added: "Phenomenal. Can safely say we have never ever eaten at a restaurant after seeing an 'influencer' post about it, why? Because I know it’s all bulls**t free promo garbage. Keep doing your thang!"
Whose side are you on? Let us know in the comments!
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