In the world of hospitality, bad reviews are a dime a dozen—but one waitress turned a sour experience into an absolute gem of a response that had the internet in stitches.
Meet Daniella Claeys, a 24-year-old waitress from East London, who became the center of a viral moment after receiving a harsh one-star review from a family with a screaming child. The incident unfolded in November 2023 when Daniella, battling a migraine, politely suggested the family move to a heated outdoor area to avoid disturbing other diners.
The family, however, did not take kindly to the suggestion. Their review accused Daniella of looking at them “like rubbish” and claimed the restaurant was “very not family-friendly.”
Rather than wallow in the negativity, Daniella turned the tables in the best way possible—she printed the review on a T-shirt!
Sharing her creative coping mechanism on TikTok, Daniella said, “The customer is always right? Not today. Making this T-shirt was a way to reclaim my power and laugh at the absurdity of the situation.”
Her cheeky response sparked a huge reaction online, with many hospitality workers sharing their own stories of challenging customers. “The feedback was wild,” she said. “So many people could relate—it felt good to connect over shared experiences.”
A Migraine Meets Mayhem
Daniella admitted she was unwell during the shift and could have handled the situation better, but she stressed the toll relentless disrespect can take on workers in the industry. “I’ve worked 14-hour shifts and served up to 200 people in a day. People forget we’re human,” she explained.
She hopes this moment highlights the need for kindness toward service staff. “Even if service isn’t perfect, gratitude goes a long way. Hospitality is a skilled job that’s often underappreciated.”
While the review initially left Daniella in tears, her T-shirt moment has turned into a rallying cry for hospitality workers everywhere. “Sometimes, laughter is the best way to cope,” she added.
