It’s one of those moments that makes your blood boil, but it’s also a reminder of why you should never underestimate the people around you. I run a small but thriving restaurant in the heart of the city, and like many other restaurant owners, I’ve had my fair share of demanding customers. But nothing quite compares to the nerve of Jessica, a self-proclaimed “VIP” guest who thought she could use her friendship with my staff to get special treatment.
The day started off like any other. The tables were full, the kitchen was buzzing, and my team was working hard to keep everything running smoothly. Then came Jessica, walking in with a group of friends, all smiles and laughs. I’ve known Jessica for years, and while we’re on friendly terms, I don’t let that cloud my judgment when it comes to the rules of my restaurant.
As soon as she walked in, she didn’t even acknowledge my presence. Instead, she marched straight up to one of my waitstaff and demanded a free table. No reservations, no apologies for showing up unannounced—just a direct demand for free food and drinks because, in her words, “I’m your friend and I’m entitled to this.”
I was standing just a few feet away, watching the whole interaction unfold. My heart raced, not with anger, but with disbelief. Was she really asking for a free table in a fully booked restaurant? And the worst part? She didn’t even have the decency to apologize when the staff politely informed her that we were at capacity and couldn’t accommodate her without a reservation.
The worst part? She then turned to me, as if expecting me to back her up, and said, “You know, we’re friends. Can’t you just give me a table? It’s not a big deal.”
This was where I drew the line. With a calm but firm voice, I said, “Actually, Jessica, it is a big deal. This restaurant has been built on the hard work of my team and the respect we have for our customers. No one gets special treatment, no matter who they are.”
You could feel the awkward silence hanging in the air as Jessica tried to process what I just said. Her friends awkwardly shuffled their feet, clearly embarrassed. For a moment, she didn’t know what to say. Then, the arrogant mask she’d been wearing for so long slipped, and she muttered something about how she “didn’t know it would be such a big deal.”
I smiled politely, pointed toward the door, and said, “Well, I’m afraid I don’t have any tables available for people who demand free meals, no matter the reason.”
Jessica left shortly after, her friends trailing behind her. My staff and I shared a quiet laugh as the door closed behind them. It wasn’t just about the free table—it was about standing up for the integrity of the restaurant we’d built from scratch.
The lesson? Never mistake friendship for entitlement. In the hospitality business, respect is everything, and that goes both ways.
