A Dublin restaurant was left incredibly frustrated after they were stood up by a "large fake booking" for tables this morning.
It should have been a great morning of business for Michael's in Mount Merrion, but sadly they were left disappointed on Sunday after people failed to turn up. The issue is one that haunts restaurants all over Ireland, as Michael's like most restaurants usually takes deposits via credit cards.
Taking to social media on Sunday morning, owner and chef Gaz Smith posted his frustrations on Twitter describing it as being "tough swallow after a long week." He said: "We have been let down/ stiffed by what we believe to be a large fake booking for today.
"They strung us along all week with queries and increased the numbers over n over. It was deliberate and calculated We spent so much time trying to accommodate them, rebuilding the table plans, ordering in extra food, especially for them, turning away genuine bookings for regulars and locals in the meantime, and then when it came to taking a deposit, they just tried to bluff it."
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He said that the team at Michael's were left "demoralised" and that the let down is "so tough to swallow after a long week." The restaurant has said that it will release more tables to save the day, and are urging anyone who can make it to pop in for a bite to eat today.
"It would be great to fill those tables, so if you fancy a nice bit of nosh today, you’ll be doing us a solid http://michaels.ie I’ve just released the tables now, and we’ll do a full rejig when we get in.
"It’s a sickening way to start a Sunday, I couldn’t sleep I was so upset." In an update, Gaz confirmed that they filled "a good few tables" after the appeal and he thanked everyone for their help.
"We filled a good few tables Love you all, this is why I love social media. There’s a cracking little festival at @blackrockentr today and the terrace has lobster n crab for walk ins."
Social media users echoed the head chef's disbelief that so many could bail.
One person commented: "How horrible and toxic Gaz, makes it so hard on management. I have no doubt you will quickly fill the booking by people waiting in line."
A second said: "I’m so sorry Gaz…. Anyone who wants to eat with you in large numbers will pay a deposit…. Just start charging."
Another said: "Awful behaviour. Love to you and the team."
Dublin Live has contacted Michael's for further comment.
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