Blogger Responds to Backlash After Restaurant Owners Allege She Bailed on $300 Bill (Exclusive)

Blogger Addresses Controversy Over Alleged Unpaid Restaurant Bill

Blogger Diane Kronstad is responding to the uproar that ensued after the owners of Pulcinella!, a New Orleans restaurant, claimed that she left without settling her bill of nearly $300. The incident came to light after Andrew Principe and Bella Blue, co-owners of the establishment, called out Kronstad for both her negative review of their restaurant and the alleged non-payment.

In a recent statement exclusively shared with PEOPLE, Diane Kronstad clarified the events leading up to the dispute. According to Kronstad, she contacted the restaurant via Instagram direct message to arrange a visit for content creation purposes. She alleges that the restaurant indicated that the meal would be covered if she left a tip, a common practice in the hospitality industry.

The saga unfolded when Kronstad and her guest consumed around $300 worth of food and drinks at Pulcinella! before reportedly refusing to settle the bill. Kronstad’s subsequent review on Google criticised the food quality and pricing, prompting a public response from Principe and Blue, who felt the need to address the situation given the impact of negative feedback on their business.

Principe mentioned that the large bill, far exceeding the usual per-person spend at their restaurant, was settled by him personally, despite the pair initially refusing to pay. The incident escalated further when Kronstad edited her review following Principe’s public reaction, describing his response as “unhinged”.

Since the controversy emerged, discussions have unfolded on various online platforms, shedding light on the challenges faced by restaurant owners dealing with influencers. Principe expressed frustration at the lack of understanding regarding the complexities of running a hospitality business and underscored the importance of ethical collaborations with content creators.

In response to the growing online discourse and the flood of abusive messages she received, Kronstad reiterated her commitment to showcasing local businesses through her content creation efforts. She emphasised the need for clear communication and mutual understanding between influencers and establishments to prevent misunderstandings like the one that transpired at Pulcinella!.

This incident serves as a reminder of the nuances and responsibilities involved in influencer collaborations within the dining industry. It highlights the significance of transparent expectations, effective communication, and mutual respect between creators and businesses to foster positive and constructive partnerships. Ultimately, open dialogue and clarity can help prevent conflicts and misunderstandings, enabling both parties to benefit from genuine and mutually beneficial interactions.

The aftermath of this incident underscores the importance of professional conduct and clear boundaries in influencer marketing. While navigating the evolving landscape of digital content creation, both influencers and businesses must uphold integrity, transparency, and respect to ensure positive and productive relationships. The incident at Pulcinella! serves as a cautionary tale for all involved in influencer partnerships, underscoring the need for clear guidelines and open communication to avoid misinterpretations and disputes.