Restaurant calls out influencer who asks to pay for food with 'exposure'

A restaurant has started a lively conversation online after calling out an influencer who asked for a free meal at their establishment.

The owner of one Manchester eatery wasn't too happy when the social media star wanted to skip paying in exchange for "exposure".

The place in question was Lucky Ramen and Sushi, which is located in Ancoats.

The influencer asked for a freebie (Credit: Instagram/ Lucky Ramen and Sushi)

And it's safe to say they weren't interested in someone who they dubbed a 'blue tick superstar' putting them out of pocket.

"Another thrilling DM from a blue tick superstar asking for a free feast in exchange for an Insta post," they wrote on their stories.

"Because, you know, exposure pays the bills!"

They added that whilst they were "thrilled" the influencer appreciated their food, they "appreciate paying customers even more." Burn.

The influencer clapped back at the Instagram story (Credit: Instagram/ Lucky Ramen and Sushi)

The feud didn't stop there, as the influencer then fired back to the restaurant with an angry message (which they subsequently also shared).

"Personally, I think you’re bang out of order. HOW DARE you try and expose us like that,” the influencer wrote.

"So you think people like us don’t deserve to eat for FREE??? Just in case you didn’t realise, we are doing our best to help and promote you for FREEEE!!!

"We don’t expect much, just a free meal to compensate our time, labour, effort, and positive energy that we are supplying you."

The influencer wanted brunch in exchange for 'exposure' (Credit: Lucky Ramen and Sushi)

They didn't stop there, either, adding that they wouldn't be returning any time soon as a result of the restaurant's "arrogance," which they said made them feel "sick".

"We go where we want, eat what we want and lastly - it’s all for free! WHOS LAUGHING NOW???," they signed off.

“This follow-up DM is a total game-changer, and guess what? We’re now rolling out the red carpet for all the free meals you desire,” the restaurant wrote to their followers, as they shared the furious messages.

“And that’s not all – our chefs are ready to part ways with their Crocs and Birkenstocks, throwing them in as an extra bonus for your tender love and labour!”

Reacting to the interactions after the restaurant shared a recap on their Insta' grid, people certainly had some thoughts.

"As someone who manages influencers and celebrities, I’ve got to say this behaviour is appalling!" said one person. "It’s an example of gross entitlement that doesn’t reflect the rest of the industry."

People rushed to support the restaurant in the comments (Credit: Instagram/ Lucky Ramen and Sushi)

A fellow food blogger wrote: "I apologise on behalf of all influencers."

"God this makes me cringe. These people man,' wrote a third.

Whilst a fourth penned: “When will influencers understand to support small. Get your free stuff from corporates, fair enough. But don’t expect it from small businesses. This is wild!”

Many suggested that the restaurant names and shames the influencer, but they decided to keep it classy, and just wanted to make a point about what they wouldn't be tolerating.

We guess that by sharing this, we're giving the restaurant exposure, so they've won without forking out any freebies! Result, ey?

Featured image: Lucky Ramen and Sushi/ Instagram