I know I'm not being U but why do people do this???

[KiraL]

I own a small cafe. The other day a couple came in and ordered 2 teas. Fine. They sat for 2 hours on their laptops. Also fine as I don’t mind this if we’re not too busy.

One of them then went across the road to Sainsbury’s and bought sandwiches/ crisps etc which they then proceeded to eat in my cafe.

I was gobsmacked as I obviously sell sandwiches/ soup/ everything that a cafe sells as the sole purpose of operating as a cafe.

I asked them very politely if they would mind not eating food purchased elsewhere to which they were highly offended and have now left me a tripadvisor rating of “poor” because I made them feel “uncomfortable.”

WTF?

'Taking your own food into Starbucks/Costa/Cafe Nero: Fine.'

No, it's not. Can't believe anyone actually thinks it is.

Really hope your reply reaches potential customers and that you've ordered a 'No Outside Food May Be Consumed On the Premises' sign.

Only circumstances I’d take my own food would be for a baby or toddler
In a cafe I’d of course order their food from menu.id not graze on stuff from Sainsbury’s

I've taken gluten free rolls to restaurants but only after establishing that they don't provide them and are ok with it.

You should have asked them to leave. It is unheard of to bring your own food to eat in a café. I don't think there's any need for notices. You don't want these kind of people as customers. Certainly write a reply saying they brought their own food in.

The only time I’ve ever done anything like this is to take a cup of tea into a burger place that doesn’t serve hot drinks. I asked the staff if it was ok first.

How rude of them.

cheeky and then to complain!

the only thing i think is ok is baby and toddler food/snacks as long as someone else is buying aswell wtf is wrong with people

its not ok to do it in big chains either its the same principle

Your cafe sounds lovely, however, you have now made me crave cheesecake!

Some people have absolutely no shame.

A good reply & you’ll be fine though. I always read the negative reviews and I’m more inclined to go somewhere if the owner replies in an amusing way ‘Oh I’m so very sorry you felt uncomfortable, it’s a shame as you seemed so very comfortable for the first two hours with your cup of tea. Our sandwiches are lovely, & inexpensive, so we don’t encourage people to pop over to Sainsbury’s & then to eat them in our cafe’. Hopefully next time you’ll try some of our food with your cup of tea’.

Cheeky gits.

I am sorry this happened and it is complete cheeky fuckery at its best and very rude.
Thank you for posting as you have made me think about local businesses and write positive trip adviser responses.

You need a notice up stating that only food and beverages purchased on the premises are allowed to be consumed on the premises.

Just write a factual response on TA, the facts speak for themselves.

Put this in your ultra polite and reasonable reply, which will absolutely show them up!!! What idiots!!

That’s terrible. I’ve been known to take snacks for my kids into costa when they were very small & fussy with food but I’d never do it in an independent. I don’t do it now as they will pretty much eat anything (as long as it’s cake!)

I’d be factual but avoid sarcasm as you don’t want to sound bitter and argumentative, just honest and pleasant.

Can you appeal to TA to have it withdrawn? Shitty of that couple

I work in an independent cafe and found this used to happen lots until a sign went up regarding food and beverages purchased elsewhere not allowed to be consumed on our premises. Seemed to taper off somewhat then. Op it's awful and yadnbu and well done for not rising on ta. Definitely get yourself a sign

Have you got WiFi in your cafe? If so, disable it if happens again

I would leave them a reply on trip advisor stating what they did. Disgusting behaviour!!

They really are disgusting low lives Op, who does that? Trying to damage a small business in that way, it is really the pits. I doubt they will harm you in the long run, agree that a polite and factual response to their complaint is the best way forward & the facts will speak for themselves.

And I agree you could consider putting up a notice advising customers not to eat food brought from outside….not that it should need spelling out but at least these types of people can't say they didn't know it wasn't acceptable (what most reasonable customers know already). You can always then make exceptions for baby food, restrictive diets etc as appropriate.

Can you appeal to TA to have it withdrawn?

I think the point of TA is that reviews are allowed to stand. But the OP can and certainly should respond to it.

Just put a humorous but robus response after their review.

And remember, you are running a business not an outreach centre.

Stay strong!

Had similar in ex’s cafe. Pair using WiFi, bought a cheap drink, then unwrapped their own food. I was all up for challenging them. He stopped me, saying bums on seats make place look busy and encourage more people in. I’m still unconvinced. And if tripadvisor had been a thing then and a bad review, would have gone ballistic.