Dining Party Expresses Low Rating Upon Denial of Reduced Cost at Establishment Run by Female Chef
Navigating business and family can be a tricky balancing act, especially when it comes to discounts and services. A restaurant owner recently learned this the hard way, as her relatives left a harsh review after she declined their request for a cut-rate meal.
The Disheartening Dilemma: A Restaurant Review Gone Wrong
In a now-deleted Reddit post, the entrepreneur detailed her experience. After graduating from culinary school and working tirelessly for years, she opened a street food stand. When relatives showed up during the first week, she welcomed them, assuming they'd support her new venture. However, things took a turn when they demanded a hefty discount, refusing to pay the full price.
When the owner tried to explain her circumstances, her aunt became rude, remarking that she thought they were closer than that. Days later, the owner discovered a 1-star review on her business's Google page, traced back to her cousin's email. The review claimed the food was overpriced, and the service rude.
Striking a Balance: Handling Family Discounts in Business
It's no secret that family may try to leverage their relationships for entitlement to free or costly services. This is no different than a cousin working as a mechanic, hoping for a better deal. While it's nice to benefit from connections, assuming free services based on family ties can be unethical, especially when the business is struggling.
Erica B. McCurdy, managing member of Purpose Point Coaching and McCurdy Solutions Group, pointed out that professionals may not even realize they've crossed a professional line. It's their responsibility to set the boundary. Business coach Lindsay Anvik suggested instituting a friends and family discount to maintain relationships while setting clear boundaries.
In the restaurant owner's situation, damage had already been done. Commenters advised responding to the review or finding a way to get it removed, stressing the importance of open communication. Some even suggested offering alternative forms of compensation, such as a free meal in exchange for a positive review or social media post.
Learning and Moving Forward
While it's easy to blame the restaurant owner's relatives for their toxic behavior, it's essential to remember that people can act impulsively when emotions run high. The owner's hard work and dedication were recognized by commenters, many attributing the relatives' actions to jealousy or resentment.
Starting any food industry business in the U.S. requires a solid plan, substantial capital, and permits, sometimes taking weeks to months to secure. Instead of dwelling on the negative review, the owner should view this experience as valuable learning and move forward with a heart-to-heart exchange with her family and, if necessary, a friends and family discount policy.
Kayla Asbach, a writer currently pursuing her bachelor's degree, covered this topic. In situations like this, remember to set clear boundaries, establish fair policies, and communicate effectively with family members to maintain strong personal and professional relationships.
- Family members may sometimes attempt to use their relationships to get discounts or free services, similar to a cousin seeking a discount from a mechanic.
- As a professional, it's crucial to recognize when you've crossed a professional line and set clear boundaries to avoid unethical situations, especially when a business is struggling.
- Business coach Lindsay Anvik suggests instituting a friends and family discount to maintain relationships while setting boundaries.
- If a negative review from a family member damages a business, it's important to respond or find a way to get it removed, emphasizing the importance of open communication.
- In some cases, offering alternative forms of compensation, such as a free meal in exchange for a positive review or social media post, might help amend the situation.
- When starting a food industry business, it's essential to remember that setting clear boundaries, establishing fair policies, and communicating effectively with family members can help maintain strong personal and professional relationships.
