Greek Restaurant Owner Slams Influencers Asking for Free Meals in Exchange For Social Media Tagging

A Redditor who owns a restaurant in the Greek Islands posted conversation screenshots of Social Media Influencers asking for free food during this COVID-19 pandemic situation.

Reddit user u/Chamallow81 posted conversations with people who claim to be Social Media influencers asking for free meals in exchange for posting it on their pages and accounts to be seen by their followers. The Reddit user's family owns a restaurant in the Greek Islands that is famous for its native Greek dishes and vegan options.

Social Media influencers usually collaborate with business owners, may it be public or private, to feature as brand models, ambassadors, or advocates. This is considered to be easier than traditional models or artists that need to be well-known and in the spotlight. Nowadays, having a massive base of followers is enough to declare one's self as an influencer.

The Influencer Inquiry

The Redditors post showed an influencer who will be making a trip to the Greek Island, Kos, and asking for a free meal for himself and his friends. The Redditor added that they receive countless inquiries for collaborations and free meals.

Redditor's response

To which the Redditor replied with a polite response, saying that he would be willing to collaborate, but in new terms and conditions, their restaurant has set.

Reddit user u/Chamallow81 explained that what they offer is somewhat an exchange program or quid pro quo that feeds those who need it or the less fortunate near the area. This still entitles the influencer to eat their food and advertise together with them as the restaurant will feature the influencer on their social media pages as well.

The Redditor said that they get surprised because what they offer is a fair deal and a chance to help those who are hungry but the so-called "influencers" do not respond. Some influencers even delete their message to the account of the restaurant. The Redditor responds with the same answer to influencer inquiries for the past three years but not one has accepted the collaboration terms.

Businesses amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic

Fox reports the economic effect of the COVID-19 pandemic to businesses, including restaurants. The restaurant business is one of the most affected in the industry as lockdowns prevented people from going to and dining in their favorite places. This led to a recession and closing down of some establishments in the food industry.

According to Bloomberg, an estimate of 2.2 million food establishments and restaurants are expected to shutdown. A lot of restaurants are undergoing financial struggle on keeping their businesses open. Some are even on the brink of collapse, and some have already foregone their beloved businesses.

The decline in the restaurant industry makes quite a damage to the U.S., and its citizens as 15.6 million people are making a living from the said businesses. This trend is currently happening worldwide, and the data gathered still rises as this pandemic is nowhere near its end.

This article is owned by Tech Times

Written by Isaiah Alonzo