A viral confrontation at a New Jersey pizzeria over a child’s birthday cake has put a spotlight on the unwritten rules surrounding outside food at restaurants. The controversy began after a family celebrating a 5-year-old’s birthday at Joey Tomato’s in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey, brought a cake into the restaurant and later asked for a knife to cut it.
Restaurant Policies
Family members said they had called ahead and received permission, while the owner said Joey Tomato’s has a policy prohibiting outside desserts. A heated exchange with owner Doreen Sullivan-Karcich was captured on video, prompting Joey Tomato’s to defend its position and argue that the viral footage lacked the context of what happened beforehand.
According to etiquette expert Diane Gottsman, owner of the Protocol School of Texas in San Antonio, it’s always best to ask in advance if you plan to bring outside food into a restaurant. Restaurants that allow outside cakes may charge a cutting fee, Gottsman noted.
Robert Mahon, managing partner of Mahon Hospitality Group in New York City, said his restaurants allow customers to bring birthday cakes, preferably with advance notice. “Even in cases where they haven’t called ahead, we certainly wouldn’t want to cause a scene or take away from someone’s celebration,” Mahon said.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
