A restaurant owner in Evanston, Illinois, has gone viral for all the wrong reasons after he was caught on video aggressively chasing and verbally abusing a customer who didn’t leave a tip for a $19.89 meal.
The incident, which occurred on April 19 outside Table to Stix, has sparked nationwide debate over tipping culture in the U.S. and the boundaries of customer service. In the video widely shared on social media, the owner, Kenny Chou, is seen running after the customer down the street, shouting expletives and demanding an 18% gratuity.
The customer had paid $20 for the meal, covering the bill but not leaving a tip. Chou, visibly enraged, followed the man and began hurling insults, yelling, “You’re a piece of s**t,” and threatening violence. The customer stood his ground, replying, “I paid for my food. I am not legally required to give you a f**king tip.”
Chou continued the tirade, shouting, “I’ll smack the s**t out of you... How are my staff supposed to make money?” The heated exchange drew widespread criticism online, with many users condemning the owner’s behavior as unprofessional, aggressive, and unacceptable.
Public Backlash and Apology
As the video quickly gained traction online, #BoycottTableToStix began trending, and the restaurant faced calls for accountability. In response to mounting criticism, Kenny Chou issued a formal public apology during a protest staged outside his establishment.
“It was a deeply regrettable moment where I, Kenny Chou, lost my composure. I stepped far beyond the bounds of respect and decency,” he said, visibly emotional.
In an interview with CBS News Chicago, Chou added, “I apologise to him and to his family. I was just asking if he could pass this message along to his little brother.”
To demonstrate sincerity, Chou also sent the customer’s brother his favorite meal, free of charge, accompanied by a handwritten note of apology.
Investigation Underway
The Evanston Police Department has confirmed that a harassment investigation is underway following the incident. No charges have been filed at this time, but authorities are reviewing the viral video and interviewing witnesses.
Ongoing Debate on Tipping Culture
The incident has reignited discussions around tipping culture in America. While tipping is customary and often expected in the restaurant industry to supplement workers' wages, it remains legally voluntary. Many have argued that the confrontation highlighted the growing tension between customer expectations and service industry norms.
“While tipping is appreciated, this behavior from a business owner is beyond the pale,” one X (formerly Twitter) user commented. Others have pointed to broader labor issues, saying service staff should not have to rely on tips to earn a living wage.
Conclusion
What started as a routine meal ended in a viral controversy, casting a spotlight on customer rights, worker pay, and the limits of professional conduct. As the backlash continues, many are calling for a re-evaluation of how service is rewarded — and how conflict is handled in the age of viral media.