A Massachusetts restaurant closed for several hours after they said workers had been repeatedly mistreated, according to the Independent.
Apt Cape Cod in Brewster, Massachusetts, decided to suddenly shut down, claiming customers berated staff for weeks. The final straw occurred last Thursday when a customer yelled at staff over his breakfast takeout order, the Independent reported Friday.
The restaurant owner announced the closing on Facebook.
“As many of our guests and patrons treat us with kindness and understanding, there have been an astronomical influx daily of those that do not, swearing at us, threatening to sue, arguing and yelling at my staff, making team members cry,” the post said.
“This is an unacceptable way to treat any human. So Chef Regina and I have decided to take the day and give the staff time to deep clean the restaurant, train, and treat my staff to a day of kindness.”
One customer even told workers “I hope you get hit by a car,” according to Eater.
“As a small-business owner, I refuse to let my staff be treated less than human, and will continue to stand up for everyone in the service industry,” said Regina Castellano, the restaurant’s chef, in a statement. (RELATED: Restaurants In Cities With Strict Lockdown Measures Are Struggling To Recover From The Pandemic)
An Iowa restaurant reminded customers in May that its workers are real people. A barbecue joint in South Carolina began reading an agreement to guests, telling them they will be forced to leave if they are rude more than once. The Massachusetts Restaurant Association posted messages on over a dozen billboards reminding customers to be patient, Independent reported.