A restaurant has branded some former Love Islanders and social media influencers 'cheeky' as they pester the business to get free food- they've said they will out the next person who tries their luck.
The owners of Viet Shack in Manchester shared a post on their social media pages where they blasted the 'full and semi blue Instagram ticks, influencers, and public figures' and asked followers to consider how the current economic climate is affecting small businesses before they request their freebies.
They claim they receive dozens of messages a week from these celebrities and influencers who ask for free food in exchange for giving the restaurant some exposure on their social media pages.
One of the most recent requests reportedly came from a former Love Islander who 'finished in a low spot on the show'.
The post, published on February 26th, reads: "Dear full & semi blue IG ticks, influencers, public figures + lastly, which is our favourite, Foodies!
"We receive at least 50+ of these a week! We haven't replied to any of these overly kind requests for the last 10 years.
"So the ones that send in a follow-up with a [smile] emoji to remind us to re-read the previous DM stating that you came in 8th place on Love Island… Bro, you came in [a low-scoring place] and even Boohoo blocked yo a** for asking for free skinny jeans + velvet boxers. If that's you, then we suggest to STOP READING RIGHT NOW!
"Here it goes… From what we see, we definitely both do have some things in common. All that Gucci, LV & Prada stock you flex on your page, & some of our ingredients are definitely all from the Vietnamese market, but that's as much in common as we have!
"Therefore, please stop asking for 'COLLABORATIONS' which was a word widely used by world-saving, barefoot or flip flop wearing artists + philanthropists. But is now sadly a synonym used for GIVE ME FREE STUFF via social media.
"We are a small family business, that's just spent most [of] our savings this year on a new toilet that flushes properly, new chairs + marble tables.
"In conclusion, STOP ASKING FOR FREE S**T and just come help and support ya locals. Can't you see there's a crisis and there's favourite spots closing down due to financial deficiencies?
"The next time anyone sends us one of these requests, we shall not be using the blurring tool so expertly.
"Ps, no offence to all other blue ticks, influencers, public figures, foodies or other Islanders that's genuinely here just to eat."
Dedicated fans of the restaurant flooded the comments to commend the restaurant for their defiant post.
One user commented: "Rate this so much. Hats off to you guys!"
Another wrote: "Yes, pay up. Even more respect for this post."
Somebody else stated: "Well said, and glad more independents are calling this behaviour out! Piggybacking on someone else's hard graft is just rude and lazy."
Another noted: "It's so cringy watching these people expect free products, and more insulting to the rest of us that they honestly think we believe they 'use' and 'love' these products and brands! Well done for calling this out!"
Nelson Lam, co-founder and creative director of Viet Shack, has since shared his surprise over the post going viral, adding: "[The post] was meant to just be a bit of cheek for our 'gram.
"I didn't realise how much of an impact it [the post] became with a lot of messages from other businesses suffering the same issue.
"Most have to give in as they needed the exposure, which is very sad to hear."
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