A local eatery situated at the Esplanade Mall, Old School Delights, faced a series of distressing incidents where customers left without paying for their meals – a phenomenon commonly known as “dine-and-dash.”
The owner, Olivia Koh-Teo, shared her experience and warned other restaurants about the growing prevalence of such incidents, particularly during busy periods.
Olivia Koh-Teo, together with her husband, operates Old School Delights at the Esplanade Mall, and they have been serving delicious meals to customers since 2017.
Sadly, dine-and-dash incidents have become all too common lately, causing distress to the eatery and its owners. What’s even more disheartening is that the perpetrators come from diverse age groups, including a middle-aged male patron and an older customer in their 70s.
Planned Escapes: Adding to the Woes
One of the incidents that deeply affected the eatery involved a meticulously planned escape. The CCTV footage from the restaurant revealed a middle-aged man in a white shirt who surreptitiously made his way out under the barrier before swiftly grabbing his belongings and leaving without paying. Such incidents not only lead to financial losses but also create an atmosphere of mistrust.
Like many other food and beverage (F&B) establishments, Old School Delights has endured the hardships brought about by the pandemic. The business faced over two years of losses, resulting in extremely thin profit margins.
However, despite the challenges, the owners continued to trust their customers to pay after their meal at the counter, encouraging friendly interactions and discussions about the food.
Due to the increasing prevalence of dine-and-dash incidents, Olivia Koh-Teo contemplates adopting a new system in the future – requiring customers to pay upfront before their meals.
While this measure may seem necessary to protect the business from financial losses, it also indicates a shift away from the trust-based approach they once cherished.
The Jaded Feeling: Struggling to Keep Up
The repeated incidents of dine-and-dash have taken a toll on Olivia Koh-Teo and her husband. The couple spends most of their time managing the eatery, leaving little time for their family.
The emotional strain and financial hardships make them question whether it is worth persevering through these challenges.
Despite the frustrations and feelings of betrayal, Koh-Teo harbors a sincere hope that other eateries will become more cautious and vigilant towards dine-and-dash patrons.
Trust is essential in any business, but it must be balanced with prudence, especially in challenging times.