A lot of establishments now value the role of so-called “influencers” meaning, people who have a large following on social media.
After all, if one bad review can almost instantly reach hundreds of thousands or even millions of people on social media, then it makes sense to maintain a good relationship with these influencers.
However, one such collaboration managed to backfire on a restaurant. Food blogger Karylle Banez recently signed a deal with Fine and Fettle restaurant in Adelaide. The restaurant hoped to use Banez to promote their new menu.
To that end, they posted a picture of Banez, who was wearing a white bralette, dining at the restaurant. But rather than attracting likes, it drew a storm of criticism instead.
One social media user wrote: “It’s meant to be promoting a restaurant, not a night club. Nothing against the girl she is stunning but I don’t think it’s the right image for a restaurant.”
Another one said: “Sorry but this doesn’t give the restaurant a good look what’s with the girl in the bra.”
One biting comment went: “I was under the impression it was a restaurant/cafè…not a Gentlemen’s club.”
And yet another wrote: “Hot or not, blogger/influencer or not, beautiful person or not… lingerie is not appropriate dining attire.”
A Fine & Fettle spokesperson hit back at the criticism, saying they were “shocked” at how people reacted and that it “wasn’t appreciated.”
They said: “We’re a little shocked at the negative comments that have been put up. It was never our intention to offend, however, we also do not appreciate this type of offensiveness from our community.
“Our food does and has always spoken for itself. We are simply promoting our nights and sharing Karylle’s experience at Fettle.
“Before commenting we’d appreciate if you had some thought on the fact this is a real person, with real feelings. Thank you.”
Fine and Fettle chef Sam Worrall-Thompson told Daily Mail Australia that Banez had been invited to try out the restaurant’s new dinner menu.
He added that they have a pretty lenient dress code and that customers shouldn’t be criticized for what they choose to wear.
“The online bullying that Karylle has experienced as a result of her outfit is absolutely unacceptable,” he said.
In any case, Baner still has her share of supporters.
One fan reacted: “She’s famous on Instagram and goes to all different restaurants around Adelaide doing the same thing. Grow up and get over it people.”
Another wrote: “Women should be supporting one another, not bringing each other down, there is enough negativity in the world!”
One user added: “Look amazing girl. So does the food #nohate #girls empowering girls.”
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