Chef hits out at ‘pathetic’ customer who tried getting out of $250 cancellation fee with controversial method

While the hospitality industry is meant to be one where many can unwind for a drink and a bite to eat, a lot of drama can come with it as well.

Just over the past year, we've seen many restaurant arguments go viral, and don't get me started on the whole tipping debate.

Now, a chef has hit out at a 'pathetic' customer who apparently tried to get out of a $250 cancellation fee with a 'controversial' method.

The heated debate between a Boston celebrity chef and a would-be diner was all played out in the very public playground of social media - ultimately sparking a debate about cancellation fees and customer service in general.

The public argument has been taking place between Jen Royle, the owner of Table restaurant in Boston, and would-be diner Trevor Chauvin-DeCaro.

From the chef's side the grievance comes from the fact Chauvin-DeCaro used his credit card’s travel protection insurance to dispute the $250 cancellation fee imposed on him by the restaurant.

The argument was brought to the forefront by Chauvin-DeCaro, as he claims to have been contacted via Instagram direct message by Royle.

"Wild story incoming. Last month, we had to cancel our Boston trip after I was hospitalized,” Chauvin-DeCaro began a post shared on X last month.

"As a result, I had to use travel insurance to get my money back on our hotel, train, and restaurant reservations."

Chauvin-DeCaro shared screenshots of the conversation allegedly between him and Royle.

According to the screengrab, Royle wrote: "Hi, Trevor. I own TABLE restaurant in Boston. I just wanted to personally thank you for screwing over my restaurant and my staff when you disputed your cancellation fee. I really hope in the future, you have more respect for restaurants, especially small businesses such as mine. Pathetic."

Speaking to the Boston Globe, the customer explained that he and his husband had initially planned to visit the restaurant but their plans changed after the couple had to visit the emergency room.

His husband did apparently call the restaurant six hours before his reservation to terminate it but was told a cancellation fee would still apply due to the same-day cancellation policy which is detailed on its website.

In his response to Royle, Chauvin-DeCaro said: "My stomach turns with the gross decision to search for, find, and direct message a customer like this.

"I understand the challenges small businesses face, particularly in post-COVID world. My decision to use my credit card’s travel insurance to address the lofty cancellation fee was not made lightly and certainly not with the intention to ‘screw over’ your establishment or your staff."

Royle’s attorney Michael Ford says she is 'getting bombarded with death threats', according to the Boston Herald.

"The false statements, the defamatory statements, the death threats, the abusive comments, they hurt and she doesn’t want to be hurt anymore," Ford added.

UNILAD has reached out to Royle's attorney and Chauvin-DeCaro for comment.