CHICAGO – A birthday celebration at a restaurant on the Near North Side took an unexpected twist when three women dined, left without paying, and shared their experience on social media. Authorities in Chicago have launched an investigation into the recent incident.
Here’s what we know
Recently, three women from Rochester, New York, visited Chicago for a birthday celebration and unexpectedly left a surprise at Soul Vibez three days ago.
The group indulged in chicken wings, alfredo, and a selection of drinks, ultimately accumulating a bill exceeding $200. Surveillance footage reveals that they left one by one, evading the bill just moments after the server turned away. A woman was spotted sporting a blue wig.
The women unintentionally shared their names and phone numbers by adding themselves to the restaurant’s waitlist prior to being seated.
In a troubling turn of events, the trio allegedly took to social media to share their experience, tagging the restaurant and expressing gratitude for the complimentary meal.
This is not the first occurrence of such an incident. Owners of a restaurant chain with five locations have noted a rise in dine-and-dash incidents, a crime that affects both the business and its employees.
“Labour costs have risen by 35%, and product costs have also increased by 35%. I used to describe the industry as one focused on nickels and dimes.” The current state of the industry revolves around small change. In the context of dine and dash incidents, the individual involved may rationalise their actions by thinking, ‘It’s just $100.’ “Yeah, but it’s impacting profits,” stated Sam Toia, President of the Illinois Restaurant Association.
What comes next?
Chicago police are currently investigating following the filing of a police report.
Women facing charges could encounter a Class A misdemeanour for theft of services valued under $500, which carries a potential penalty of up to one year in jail and a fine of $2,500.
