Dine-and-dashers caught on camera at Lexington restaurant

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - A downtown Lexington restaurant is issuing a warning to watch out for dine-and-dashers.

Mama Tequila says a party of seven skipped out on their $200 bill Tuesday night.

Manager Yanira Rios says one of the guests told their server it was their friend’s birthday.

“We were gathering everyone on the other side of the restaurant, and so then whenever we were about to head over there to sing them happy birthday, they were gone,” said Rios.

Rios says they were confused as to what had happened, so they decided to check their surveillance video. They watched as the party of seven sat at their table, their food already packaged in to-go boxes. Then, they began to get up and eventually ran out the restaurant’s door.

“It’s kind of frustrating. Not just as a manager but for the server, the other staff,” said Rios.

The owners of Mama Tequila told WKYT this situation is disappointing as a small, family-owned restaurant. Adding this not only affects their bottom line, but also undermines the hard work and dedication of their team.

“We wish we knew what was going through their minds and if there’s anything that we could do that could’ve prevented it,” said Rios.

The restaurant shared the surveillance video on its Facebook page. Rios says the response has been overwhelming.

“It really just helped spread our message. I mean, we’re just trying to bring awareness to this and to warn other businesses, restaurants, shops, anywhere. I mean, it can happen anywhere, and it’s just reality,” said Rios.

Rios says this is the first time Mama Tequila has fallen victim to dine-and-dashers, and she hopes it will be the last.

Lexington Police say they’re investigating this situation. Anyone with information is asked to give them a call or submit an anonymous tip through Bluegrass Crime Stoppers.