Viral Video Shows Restaurant Owner Confronting Black Customer After Not Leaving Tip

Nationwide — A now-viral video shows a heated argument between restaurant owner, Kenny Chou, and a Black customer who didn’t leave a tip. The incident has sparked discussions on race and tipping culture in the country. The incident happened outside Table to Stix Ramen in Evanston, Illinois.

In the video, Chou was caught on video yelling at the customer, who said he paid $20 for a $19 meal and didn’t owe more. “What do you want, bro? I paid for my food,” the customer said as Chou followed him.

Chou responded with profanity, accusing the man of hurting his staff’s income. “Shut your goddam f—— mouth. How are my staff supposed to make money? I’ll slap the s— out of you,” he shouted.

The altercation ends without physical confrontation, but the video has drawn widespread criticism online. Many believe the customer was unfairly targeted because of his race, while others argue that tipping should not be mandatory and restaurants should pay fair wages instead.

After the video went viral, Chou told CBS News Chicago that he takes full responsibility and regrets his actions. He apologized publicly and even offered the customer’s brother a free meal along with a handwritten note of apology.