A Hollywood restaurant said that a wannabe influencer stuck them with the tab after they paid the person $500 and even comped his meal in hopes of generating business for the struggling mom-and-pop eatery.
The owners of Hollywood Thai Restaurant said in response to slower business they decided to take up a “mega influencer” on his offer and pay him to promote their place, but he ended up taking advantage of the small business, the message on Instagram read.
It started when Christian Garcia reached out to the shop and offered to make a reel about the business for $575, the restaurant’s social media manager told LATaco.com.
The restaurant told Garcia they could not afford his price — that’s when they say he offered to do it for only $500.
They said they paid the influencer, with 1.6 million followers, and comped his meal, but after several delays followed by numerous attempts to reach him, the Thai restaurant said it was clear Garcia took the money and free meal and left them the holding the tab.
“But unfortunately over two months later and cashing our check, it has become very clear he does not intend to post,” the message read.
The shop is a small family-owned and mostly family-run business. They said their once-bustling place is struggling as the lines of “people have gone down,” which is why they were willing to give the influencer a try.
The Thai restaurant said now they just want some kind of justice for what happened and are hoping people will see this and stop by for a meal or two to keep the small family-owned business operating in Hollywood.
“If you can come visit us to support us to help us recoup the loss, we would greatly appreciate it,” the post read in closing.
“Our food quality has not changed. We remain confident in our food quality and taste. We hope this post gives this person the opportunity to fix his mistake.”
The eatery’s social media manager said that other businesses have also been scammed by the influencer.
“But unless you really know social media, and look into things more, it’s a little difficult to realize that they’re all fake.”
Garcia appears to have rectified the situation, finally posting about the Thai restaurant after the shop’s post.
He also made a post on on Instagram appearing to apologize for his past actions and announcing he was leaving social media.
“Because of prior commitments, my team will still be posting previously agreed-upon brand partnerships, collaborations, and promotions,” he wrote.
“However, I personally will not be active during this time. I believe that sometimes the healthiest thing we can do is be honest about where we are and make room for God to work.”
People have rushed to the Thai eatery’s defense, blasting the influencer.
“Some fake influencer tried to scam Hollywood Thai out of $500 so we are going to eat there,” one person wrote to her thousands of followers.
“I hate how often I’m seeing these callouts,” another person added to her tens of thousands of followers. “Go support your local businesses. I’ve been going to Hollywood Thai for ages and I love this spot.
“Go show them some love Christian Garcia shame on you for taking advantage and robbing this business.”
The California Post reached out to Hollywood Thai for further comment.
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The post Outrage as vile influencer vanishes after being paid to promote mom-and-pop Hollywood restaurant appeared first on New York Post.
