'We Don't Give a Sh*t About Gluten Free': A Restaurant Owner Gets Bold With Customers A San Francisco chef is tired of catering to hard-to-satisfy customers. So, he's telling picky patrons to go buy dinner elsewhere.

By Kate Taylor

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Is the customer always right? This chef doesn't think so – and he's throwing out diners who disagree.

Last week, the chef a Chinese restaurant in San Francisco called SO closed up shop early because he was tired of rude customers and their needy demands, reports ABC7. A sign posted on the door explained his reasoning: "We are closed because of you (customers). So... Yes we use MSG! We don't believe in organic food, and don't give a shit about gluten free."

While the chef and restaurant owner James Chu returned to work this week, he isn't backing down on his stance. A new sign on the door reads, "We work hard to please everyone, but know we can't. So if you're hard to please, please turn around and go somewhere else."

Telling potential customers to scram is a bold business move that has brought major media attention and social media buzz to the small Chinese restaurant.

Related: How to Stop the Time Suck of Customer Relationships

"This place is anti-organic and pro-MSG. Never getting my business," reads a one-star Yelp review. "I'll go somewhere that cares about its customers."

However, most critics on Yelp have been impressed by Chu's refusal to bow to customer demands. The restaurant currently is averaging four stars, with more than 1,250 reviews.

"Thumbs up to the owners for sticking up to their guns," reads one recent review. "The owner is very honest about using MSG and being non-organic. No one is forcing you to eat here if you don't like it."

Every entrepreneur has to deal with eternally dissatisfied customers. Is it better to stick by the old adage "the customer is always right," or to tell them to deal with it or get out? Let us know your take in the comments.

Related: 3 Out of 4 Negative Tweets Happen While Customers Are Still Inside the Restaurant

Kate Taylor

Reporter

Kate Taylor is a reporter at Business Insider. She was previously a reporter at Entrepreneur. Get in touch with tips and feedback on Twitter at @Kate_H_Taylor. 

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Side Hustle

She Quit Her Job at Trader Joe's After Starting a Side Hustle With $800 — Then She and Her Brother Grew the Business to $20 Million

Jaime Holm and Matt Hannula teamed up to build a business in an industry that "didn't exist" yet.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Buying / Investing in Business

Former Zillow Execs Target $1.3T Market

Co-ownership is creating big opportunities for entrepreneurs.

Growing a Business

This Local Bakery Has Lines Out the Door. Here Are the Secrets to Its Success.

Known for its viral flat croissants and innovative desserts, Alexander's Patisserie also excels in hands-on leadership and team culture.

Business News

Microsoft Is Laying Off Over 6,000 Employees, About 3% of Its Workforce. Here's Why.

The company said the cuts will affect all divisions and locations, with a focus on managers.

Business News

Nissan Is Doubling Its Initial Layoff Announcement, Cutting 20,000 Jobs: 'A Wake-Up Call'

The automaker is dealing with slowing sales and a recent failed merger with Honda.