A ramen shop owner caused controversy by placing a cash bounty on customers who left bad reviews, promising to confront them.
Lately, the owner of TOYOJIRO, a ramen shop in Kyoto, Japan, placed a cash bounty on customers who left negative reviews.
This unusual situation has caught the attention of many on social media, sparking discussions about customer service and restaurant management.
Ramen shop offered $600 to hunt two male customers leaving bad reviews
TOYOJIRO is known for its Jiro-style ramen and has received high ratings on various food review platforms.
However, the owner recently reacted strongly to a one-star review from two male customers.
Feeling insulted by their feedback, he took to Instagram to express his frustration and declare a “war” against the reviewers.
He even posted their photos, offering a reward of 100,000 yen (about $662) to anyone who could help identify them.
The ramen shop threatened two customers who left bad reviews
In his post, the owner made it clear that he was unhappy with the review.
He stated, “I saw your post, and you seem a bit weird. We try not to treat people like you as customers, so it’s fine.”
He warned customers to avoid restaurants, implying future difficulties.
The situation escalated when the owner insisted that the customers return to the restaurant, eat again, and write a positive review.
“The only thing he can do is come back, eat again, and write a good review with a photo.
I told him I won’t forgive him otherwise—not even for the safety of his family.”
He made a shocking comment, saying, “If he does that, he’ll be killed right away. This kid is so scared.”
These statements were seen as threats and drew significant backlash from the public.
The owner ramen shop issued an apology after aggressive comments
After facing criticism for his aggressive remarks, the owner ultimately apologized.
He reflected on his actions and admitted that they were inappropriate.
“I know there are pros and cons. For an act that went too far I’m reflecting on this,” he wrote in a follow-up post.
The ramen shop also issued an apology through its social media accounts, acknowledging the negative impact of the incident.
“Our restaurant, which achieved champion status on Japan’s largest ramen site, Ramen Database, just one month after opening, deeply regrets the recent incident we have caused … this incident has resulted in a shameful outcome for us.
We are committed to transforming ourselves and becoming a ramen restaurant that is truly supported by customers from around the world.”
Online users slammed the owner threatening comments to customers
Social media users have had mixed reactions to the owner’s actions.
Some found the bounty ridiculous and criticized his inability to handle criticism maturely.
Others expressed concern about the message it sends to potential customers.
Many believe that restaurants should focus on improving their services instead of threatening unhappy diners.
One user said: It’s not their fault your food is nasty AF
The second user wrote: Sounds like something a dictator would do. Japanese being super based again.
The third user commented: Wow… death to someone who doesn’t like the dudes food and has an opinion he’d like to leave on a review??
Rather harsh, and not sure Id like to eat at a place that threatens death for a difference of opinion.
Another user added: Definitely a bully tactic.
Someone said: It looks terrible but if you buy me a new Toyota I will leave a good review.