May 8, 2026
There’s some stupid trend circulating around social media right now. Where influencers pretend to be in a restaurant and told by the restaurant owner or manager or whatever, to not record or photograph. And a fake altercation occurs. It’s SOOOO stupid. I seriously dislike social media sometimes. It’s so disingenuous.
But it made me think about telling you a real story. Not to make myself look cool or funny. Or whatever. But just because it is interesting to me and maybe it is to you.
There have been TWO occasions in the last four years that I was approached by somebody and questioned or chastised or whatever, while taking photos or videos at a restaurant.
The first time was at an Olive Garden location. A chain restaurant. I walked around the restaurant and took some photos. I thought discreetly, but obviously not discreetly enough. A manager walked up to me and said “Hi, can I help you.” I’m like “Um. I’m not sure. What’s up.” A convo then occurs and I’m told that I’m not permitted to take photos in their establishment and whatever. I smoothed the situation out and we ended up connecting and I sat at the bar, having a good conversation, and all was well.
The second time was at a Firebirds Wood Fired Grill location. Again, a chain restaurant. Again, I walked around the restaurant and took photos. Same thing. Manager asks me why I’m taking photos. Apparently I was not discreet enough — I try, people. And he was a bit aggressive. Telling me that I’m not permitted to take photos, etc. Again, I smoothed it out for the most part. Told the person that I just love taking photos of restaurants and architecture, etc. All ended well.
This is the story of a blogger that goes into a place without trying to be known, that got caught years ago, and didn’t do some dumb ass trend.
Happy Friday.
— TKG
