Karen’s Diner suddenly closes three of its Australian stores
Popular restaurant chain where guests pay for staff to insult them suddenly closes three of its Australian stores – after customers accused employees of going too far
- Three Karen’s Diners have closed across Australia
- Shops closed in Gold Coast, Perth and Melbourne
A popular but controversial restaurant chain that has built its reputation on offending customers has abruptly closed several of its stores across Australia.
Karen’s Diner announced on Tuesday that their stores in Surfers Paradise, Perth and Melbourne have all closed.
“Unfortunately, all good things come to an end and Karen can’t stay forever! Today, some of our Australian pop-up stores are closing,” the company wrote on Facebook.
“If your local pop-up shop is closed, a Karen’s Diner On Tour is coming to your city in September.
“Karen can’t stay away and needs to reassure you.”
Due to the closures, Karen’s Diner is now only open for business in Australia in Adelaide, Brisbane and Sydney.
The closure of their only restaurants in Victoria and Western Australia came so quickly that an angry customer from Perth claimed she is still waiting for her deposit on her booking.
Karen’s Diner announced on Tuesday that their stores in Surfers Paradise, Perth and Melbourne have all closed
Karen’s Diner became a sensation because the staff were deliberately rude to customers
“The Perth location took a deposit from my friend for her daughter’s birthday tomorrow and she has not received any notice that she is closed, but Google shows permanently closed and the phone number has been disconnected,” the commenter said.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Karen’s Diner for comment.
Karen’s Diner became a sensation for its unusual way of operating, with staff being deliberately rude to guests in the name of fun.
Customers, in turn, are encouraged to fire back insults.
The namesake is taken from the infamous ‘Karen’ stereotype where ‘Karen’s’ are known to be obnoxious and entitled.
The US-based franchise said their diners would return for a limited time in September
Karen’s gained a reputation where diners are offended, with its namesake borrowing from the infamous “Karen” stereotype popular online
Karen’s Diner’s first Australian store opened in Sydney’s George Street in October 2021 with more stores opening in 2022.
The franchise’s rules include a ban on racist, sexist, body shaming, and homophobic comments or sexual harassment.
But many guests are tired of insults from staff, claiming they went too far.
Last year, a Brisbane store restaurant complained that he was embarrassed because he had a receding hairline.
“What’s the one thing your damn sign says? No body shaming!’ the man was heard shouting, as he pointed out the house rules at the entrance.
Another complaint came from customers at the Sydney restaurant when father Neil Cummins took his eight and ten-year-olds to dinner before staff pressured the children to insult him.
The father-of-two said one of his sons was told to “f**k off” halfway through his meal and later to come get their “f***ing dessert.”
The company also apologized when Brisbane staff called a 14-year-old girl an ‘OnlyFans pie’ and suggested her father was an incestuous pedophile.
“The actions of this particular member of staff are unforgivable and go against everything we believe in as a brand,” a spokesperson said at the time.
The franchise’s rules include a ban on racist, sexist, and homophobic comments or sexual harassment. But many guests are tired of insults from staff, claiming they went too far