Atom Thai Newtown hits back at customer who complained

A popular Sydney restaurant has hit back at a customer’s online review complaining they weren’t allowed to split the bill by explaining why it’s such a huge problem for businesses.

‘Good food and good quantities. We were a large group and they accommodated a long table with well-timed service,’ the customer, named Sarah, recently wrote in her review. 

‘Just one issue – only two card payments allowed per table and no split bills. There was a little sign in the corner as the only warning,’ she added, giving the restaurant three out of five stars.

The restaurant’s management then posted a response saying it was ‘great to see that you enjoyed your dinner and our service’. 

‘Sorry that we could not split the bill so that 19 people could pay individually. I guess that’s why we lost two stars tonight.’

The response then continued on, offering a polite explanation so the customer could see things from the manager’s point of view.

‘We have done splitting the bill before, but the problem is a combination of issues.’

They went on to explain that it is firstly time-consuming for staff to divide up the bill and then process each transaction separately.

Some customers may have declined cards, which can further draw out the process, and most importantly there is usually confusion and items left unpaid for at the end.

‘It might only take one minute to pay, but for 19 guests that’s 19 minutes we are not looking after other customers.’ 

The restaurant then gave a scenario to illustrate its point.

Pictured is a worker at the Atom Thai restaurant in Sydney 

‘A table splits the bill and the last guy refuses to pay for drinks or side dishes he didn’t have, so he goes back to the table to ask but most people have left.

‘He then complains we’ve done a poor job splitting the bill and is either upset he has to cover the rest or refuses to pay.

‘It’s rare but it can get messy, and we don’t want the hassle.’

The restaurant then said it would look into putting up a larger sign making clear its policy on splitting the bill.

While it seems restaurants don’t like splitting the bill for you, there are apps that can help those who dine out with friends often.

Settle Up, Plates by Splitwise, Tab, and Splid are just a few that can track who ordered what, who paid, and who still owes cash.

These apps can also be used for other scenarios, such as road trip expenses, group gifts, and holiday accommodation.

Dividing up the bill at the restaurant to pay often leads to confusion about who had what. This can drag on and prevent staff from attending to other customers