Letter: A disturbing incident at a local restaurant

I am writing to share a deeply disturbing experience I witnessed at a local restaurant. While waiting to be seated, I was saddened and shocked to overhear a conversation between a bartender and the manager. 

The bartender, with empathy in his voice, mentioned he had just taken a takeout order for a family whose member was undergoing medically assisted dying that evening. 

Instead of showing compassion, the manager responded with shockingly callous remarks: "Who would choose this restaurant for their last meal?" as if their choice was beneath her. She continued with insensitive comments, questioning the family’s decision and expressing her own unsolicited opinions about medically assisted dying.

I was appalled. This family had specifically chosen the restaurant as the last meal for one of the most personal and difficult memories they would make. That manager could have been supportive and gracious, recognizing the weight of their choice to include this significant moment with her restaurant. Instead, she showed disdain for their decision and a lack of respect for their struggle and put down the quality of the restaurant’s food.

As a mental health advocate, I am deeply disturbed that this manager used her position to belittle a family’s vulnerable choice and showed such disdain for issues surrounding mental health and autonomy. Her words send a message that the restaurant doesn’t care about those who seek it out for comfort and connection. 

As a manager, I find it astounding she would degrade her own restaurant and by extension, her patrons, in such a tone-deaf manner.

If the manager of the restaurant doesn’t believe the food and experience are "good enough" for a family’s last meal together, then I urge readers to consider: What does that say about the restaurant’s quality and values? I know I won’t return to a place that lacks such basic empathy and respect.

Janet Wells-Harrison
Greater Sudbury