We’ve all heard the phrase “be careful who you’re mean to on the way up.” But one restaurant owner is currently learning that lesson in real-time.
TikTok creator Sarah Kraffty (@sarahkraffty) is going viral after sharing the full circle of her life from being a regular customer to an established food influencer.
Two years ago, an interaction with a restaurant owner left her in tears. But after gaining millions of followers, the very person who yelled at her reached out to request a promotional video.
Sarah’s ‘non-confrontational’ request led to a red-faced shouting match
Before Sarah had her massive online platform, she recalls a time she visited a local restaurant with her family. However, right before paying for her order, she saw the staff pull out the “driest, nastiest” piece of food. So, she politely asked if she could switch her choice.
“That was a lot for me to say because I’m very non-confrontational,” she admits. “I was like, ‘Can I just switch my order? Is it a big deal?
And because if it is a big deal I’ll just take it,’” she recalled. But despite her attempt to de-escalate, the person behind the counter, who Sarah later identified as the owner, began yelling.
The owner’s face reportedly turned red as she screamed, “You will have this order!” at a confused and visibly upset Sarah.
The influencer left the restaurant in tears
The interaction was so aggressive that Sarah “just wanted to run out of the building and cry.” And she eventually did cry once the transaction was over. For s moment, she even considered writing a scathing Google review. However, she ultimately decided to give the owner the benefit of the doubt.
“I was like, ‘You know what? Like maybe she’s just having a bad day.’”
Understandably, Sarah hasn’t stepped foot in the establishment for nearly two years, successfully avoiding the “bad vibes” of that afternoon.
The restaurant owner recently reached out to Sarah for a promotional video
For Sarah, the story of that restaurant was done and dusted right after that interaction. But fate had a twist in store for her. Recently, around two years after that incident, Sarah opened her DMs to find a request from that exact restaurant.
“I click and it’s the exact person I had this interaction with.”
The owner is apparently now looking for the “influencer” version of Sarah to save her business. However, she has no memory that Sarah is the same woman she once berated in front of her family.
Sarah expressed extreme hesitation about returning, noting the irony of being asked to create “positive” content for someone who left her traumatized.
Why restaurant owners should treat every customer like an influencer
The incident is a perfect example of why treating every customer like an influencer is actually a smart tactic. In the age of social media, a single “nobody” can become a “somebody” with the power to influence thousands of local diners in a matter of months.
So, when an owner loses their temper over a simple order change, they aren’t just losing one meal’s profit. Sarah proves that they are potentially burning a bridge with a future marketing powerhouse.
Smart ways to handle bad service without a public rant
If you find yourself in a situation where a manager or owner is yelling, focus on protecting your peace. Like Sarah, your priority should be to de-escalate and leave. You are not obligated to finish a transaction with someone who is being abusive.
you should also write down the date, time, and name of the person involved. If you decide to contact corporate or leave a review later, facts are more effective than emotions. But wait before posting.
Taking a day or two to cool off allows you to decide if the “bad day” excuse is valid. If not, the business deserves a public warning. But sometimes, the most powerful move is simply never giving them another cent of your money.
One bad interaction day can cost you a great influencer promo
Several viewers left “don’t go back” warnings for Sarah. One suggested she just send them a “No, thank ew” reply. And honestly, we’re all in for that poetic justice of the situation. Because the way you treat people when “no one is watching” always eventually comes back to haunt you.
While the owner is waiting for a video that will likely never come, Sarah proved that a “non-confrontational” customer can still have the last laugh.
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