In the ever-evolving landscape of dining preferences and restaurant offerings, a recent incident involving a vegan TikToker highlighted the challenges that individuals with specific dietary choices sometimes face when seeking out food at certain establishments…
A vegan posted on TikTok expressed her dismay at being refused service at a well-known restaurant because “we don’t care about vegans”.
Amie-Beth Steadman, from Essex, England, was overwhelmed by the negative response from Sheesh, a well-known BBQ restaurant in the nearby town of Chigwell.
She asked the restaurant if they could accommodate her plant-based diet and got a cruel response, so she exploded in front of the TikTok audience.
As a vegan who has eaten at Sheesh in the past, I can vouch for the absence of any large plant-based menus. In her three-minute video, she said: “I thought maybe I could create a meal by combining some sides like fries and rice.”
She described her previous unsuccessful attempt to make the same request at a restaurant. Undeterred, she called to ask about vegan options this time. However, it seems that she had a bad conversation with the waitress at the restaurant.
We don’t target vegans, said the lady who answered the phone, according to Amie-Beth. The employee’s response was nothing short of amazing when my friend pressed the issue and recommended that they order multiple parties to build the main course.
According to reports, the employee’s response was something along the lines of, “I don’t even know why a vegan would want to come to our restaurant.”
The Amie-The interaction stunned Beth, who clarified that being vegan is nothing special. All we wanted to know was one thing.
However, it is unacceptable to ask yourself the question “Why would a vegan even want to go here?” when it is your policy. I find it hard to believe that a respectable business can be so rude, she remarked.
After the incident, people on the internet came to her defense and many criticized Sheesh for his rudeness.
The restaurant will close in 2023 if its menu does not offer vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. Another user responded to one who claimed there was “no excuse” for the issue by asking: “That’s so bizarre, what’s the problem with ordering more sides instead of a main?” what am I missing?
Although not everyone agreed, many people highlighted the fact that the restaurant mainly serves meat. No BBQ restaurant would serve a vegetarian or vegan. Another person said: “It really is that simple.
Beth soon clarified the situation by referring to Sheesh as a “Turkish restaurant” and pointing out that many Turkish restaurants offer vegan options such as falafel. She added that high-end steakhouses are now providing vegan options to their customers.
In conclusion, the incident involving Amie-Beth and Sheesh highlights the complexities that come with navigating food preferences in the dining area. While not all restaurants can accommodate every dietary preference, how they respond to such inquiries can have a profound impact on their reputation and relationship with potential customers. As the culinary landscape continues to diversify, it is important that restaurants and diners alike engage in open dialogue and foster an environment where inclusivity and understanding prevail. At a time when dietary choices are deeply personal and reflect broader values, the way restaurants process such requests can reflect their commitment to meeting the changing tastes and needs of their clientele.