In a surprising turn of events at the Gobi restaurant on Middle Street, two regular patrons, George Dalmon and Andy Miles, have been banned for life after reportedly consuming five stir-fry bowls each during a single visit. This decision was announced by the restaurant’s manager, who expressed considerable frustration over the diners’ behaviour, which he alleges has negatively impacted the business.

The incident unfolded on a recent Tuesday night, with Mr. Dalmon sharing his perspective on the situation. He noted that the restaurant promotes an all-you-can-eat experience, which he felt legitimised their approach to dining. “They’ve only got small bowls and you can’t get enough in there so we always go back for more. It’s an all-you-can-eat place so we love it,” he said. However, the manager viewed their actions quite differently, accusing the duo of “eating him out of business” and likening their dining habits to those of “pigs.”

According to Mr. Dalmon, the confrontation escalated when the manager approached their table in clear distress, berating them in front of other customers and ultimately issuing the ban. “I couldn’t believe it,” he remarked, adding that the manager’s outburst seemed both unexpected and excessive, especially as they had been loyal customers for two years.

The restaurant’s owner, who declined to be named, confirmed the ban, citing that the behaviour of Mr. Dalmon and Mr. Miles was “the final straw.” He elaborated on the situation by explaining that the pair consistently arrived at the buffet in a frenzy, consuming food more quickly than other diners could access it. “They spoil everything and they are in such a hurry to beat everyone to the food,” he stated.

Additionally, the manager expressed dissatisfaction with their choice of beverages, noting that they opted only for water instead of purchasing drinks, and consistently avoided paying the optional service charge. His concluding statement underscored the restaurant’s commercial nature: “We are not a charity. We are a business. It’s our restaurant and we can tell people not to come back if we don’t want them to.”

The ban comes despite the restaurant’s promotion of creating “your own individual meal – and eat all you like,” suggesting a potential disconnect between the establishment’s marketing and its operational policies. As of now, Dalmon and Miles remain excluded from returning to Gobi, leaving both the diners and the restaurant manager with starkly differing views on the situation.

Source: Noah Wire Services