Woman Who Demanded I Change My Hairstyle and

A Demanding Customer Walks In

I own a popular, upscale bistro in Portland, where I handle everything from hosting to management. One Friday, our hostess called in sick, so I filled in at the front. That night, I was also expecting my brother Mike and his new fiancée, Ashley, for a special dinner.

Ashley arrived early, dressed in red and heels, and immediately gave me a disapproving look. She asked, “Reservation name?” Then paused. “Wait… you work here? Not to be rude, but you’re kind of overdressed for staff… My fiancé’s on his way, and I’d prefer someone else near our table.”

A Surprising Request

She went on, “Can someone else serve us? A manager, maybe? You’re just a bit… distracting.” I stayed calm, went to the office, and returned with a business card. “Hi again. Just checking in. Everything okay with your table?”

She snapped, “You again? I asked for the manager.”

“I am the manager. Actually, I own this restaurant.”

The Awkward Reveal

Just then, Mike walked in. “Hey, sis! Sorry I’m late. Ashley, this is my sister, Jill. The one who owns the place.”

Ashley’s face turned pale. “You… you’re his sister?”

Mike asked, “Did I miss something?”

“Your fiancée asked me to change my appearance because she thought I was a server who looked too good to be near her man.”

A Lesson in Respect
Later, Ashley apologized, blaming past trauma. “My ex cheated on me with a waitress.”

I replied, “Trauma explains behavior, not excuses it. I accept your apology, but respect is non-negotiable.”

For Mike, I agreed to move forward—but I made one thing clear: kindness is not optional, in my restaurant or in our family.