Restaurant Owner Calls Out ‘Unfair, Bitter, and Rude’ Customer in Scathing Response to Negative Review

Running a restaurant requires hard work, dedication, and many sleepless nights. As a restaurant owner, you live and breathe your business, and when a customer leaves a negative review, it can be devastating. It is important to remember that not all criticism is constructive, and sometimes customers can be downright rude. One restaurant owner recently took to social media to slam a customer who left a scathing review, sparking a heated debate about customer service and the etiquette of leaving negative reviews. In this article, we will explore the story and discuss the importance of balancing customer service with respect for small business owners.


A customer left a negative review on TripAdvisor for Poachers, a popular restaurant near Bandon, and the owner, Barry McLaughlin, responded by condemning the customer’s behaviour as ‘appalling’. According to Barry, the customer publicly berated a senior staff member, causing shock amongst the other patrons. Barry considered the reviewer to be the most unfair, bitter, and rude customer he had encountered in his 17-year career. The negative review criticised the food, alleging that the steak was fatty, the chowder was bland, the seafood was overcooked, the burger was dry, and the chips were greasy. The customer also complained that the online and in-house menus were different, despite being a regular customer for over a decade. Barry disputed many of the claims, noting that all the food was eaten, nothing was mentioned during the meal, and the staff were subjected to aggressive and demeaning behaviour, which other diners witnessed. Despite welcoming constructive criticism, Barry noted that the credibility of the numerous complaints was undermined by the customer’s confrontational attitude.


In conclusion, it’s important to treat all individuals with respect and understanding, even as customers or business owners. Criticism and negative feedback can be difficult to hear, but it’s crucial to respond in a professional and constructive manner. The situation involving the restaurant owner and their “rude” customer serves as a reminder that effective communication and empathy can go a long way in resolving conflicts and building strong relationships. At the end of the day, both parties should strive to learn from the experience and move forward in a positive direction.