The Sebastian Roadside Restaurant is warning other businesses of two alleged patrons who left their establishment last Friday at 7:30 p.m. without paying their bill.
“The woman left with a wine glass, and when they were confronted outside, the man returned and accused the server of taking his wallet, and then left again,” Thomas Wright, owner of Sebastian Roadside Restaurant, told Sebastian Daily.
The identity of the two people in the above picture is unknown.
Local area restaurants are having a difficult time as costs for supplies are rising due to inflation. In addition, customers walking out on their bills hurts the servers financially.
“It’s hard enough keeping prices low with 100% increases in food cost and 50% increases in labor, but losses from theft compound the issue greatly for small operators,” Wright said.
The restaurant industry calls it a “walkout” when someone “dines and dashes.” The restaurant still has to pay the server regardless when a patron doesn’t pay.
Some may argue that if the food is terrible, it may be acceptable to walk out without paying. However, walking out without reporting it to the manager is never good. Also, don’t eat half the meal and then complain.
With worker shortages happening everywhere, it might be inviting to walk out if your server isn’t paying attention. Please be patient with the staff if you plan to dine out.
