A popular Greek takeaway in Melbourne’s east has come under fire after footage appeared to show its owner swearing at customers and throwing cash across the counter during a busy Friday night service.
The incident happened at Patrida Greek Street Food in Nunawading, a shop known for its gyros, souvlaki and generous portions, the Daily Mail reported.
A question about the wait
A diner named Natasha told the Daily Mail she and her partner had waited nearly 40 minutes for their food and were halfway through their meal when a man at a nearby table, who had been waiting even longer, got up to ask the owner how much longer his order would be.
She said the owner replied, “Mate, it’s coming, it’s coming,” before the exchange quickly escalated, with the owner insisting a 45-minute wait was normal at other venues.
Natasha alleged the owner then threw a gyros at the man. He and his partner asked for a refund, and other customers soon did the same.
What the footage shows
In video of the confrontation, a man believed to be the owner can be heard shouting, “There’s a reason there’s a 45-minute wait, ’cos I’m the best,” and telling diners to “get out”. He also swears repeatedly at the customer.
Natasha said the owner opened the till and began throwing money across the counter, offering diners $100 and saying he had plenty of money.
“Everyone’s paying customers, everyone was there to eat and have Friday night dinner,” she said. “I understand that it’s hard and it’s rough, but I also don’t understand screaming and yelling at your customers.”
Great food, short fuse?
The shop has strong online reviews, with diners praising its fresh chicken platters, pork skewers and large serves.
But some reviews also describe tension when the kitchen is busy. One diner claimed the owner had been “very vocal and rude” with customers and Uber Eats drivers on a busy night.
In a public reply to that review, the owner apologised for the wait but stood by how he dealt with delivery drivers. “Having a phone shoved in your face every five minutes is something that no one deserves,” he wrote. “The way they speak to us, is the way we speak in return.”