In the era of social media, food vloggers have gained immense popularity, sharing culinary experiences and influencing diners’ choices. However, this trend has sparked occasional conflicts between vloggers and restaurant owners, as seen in a recent viral video. The clip, shared on X, shows a food vlogger denied service at a restaurant after the owner noticed him filming, leading to a heated exchange that has ignited widespread debate online.
What Happened in the Viral Video?
The video captures a vlogger visiting a local restaurant and ordering a spring roll. Upon asking the price, he pays the shopkeeper 60 rupees. The owner then invites the vlogger to sit, but he declines, choosing to continue recording from his current spot. Moments later, the owner returns the payment and asks the vlogger to leave, explaining his concern that the recording might result in a negative review, potentially harming the restaurant’s reputation. “Main tum logo se dur rehta hoon, mera apna restaurant bahut badhiya hai bhai. Mujhko nahi chahiye tumhare jaise vlogger,” (“I stay away from people like you. My restaurant runs well without vloggers like you”), the owner asserts.
Social Media Reactions: Divided Opinions
The video quickly gained traction, with netizens weighing in on the exchange. One user humorously commented, “The guy asked for a spring roll, and the shopkeeper rolled him out!” capturing the shopkeeper’s firm stance. Another user expressed support for the owner, stating, “Full support for the shopkeeper. No one is forcing anyone to eat, but don’t harm someone’s business, especially when we receive zero government support.”
Many echoed this sentiment, highlighting the challenges faced by small business owners. Another user remarked, “Food bloggers have ruined the businesses of many small vendors,” drawing attention to the potential downsides of unsolicited reviews. Some, however, speculated that the incident might have actually benefited the vlogger, noting, “The vlogger was taught a lesson, but he got an even better clip in the end!”
The Rise of Conflicts Between Food Vloggers and Restaurant Owners
This incident has amplified the conversation about the fine line between food blogging and impacting small businesses. Restaurant owners fear that a single negative review can deter future customers, especially for small, independent establishments lacking extensive advertising budgets. While food vloggers bring attention to eateries and help people discover new food spots, incidents like these highlight the need for a respectful and transparent approach.
