Imagine heading out for a casual dinner with a friend, expecting nothing more than good food and conversation, only to end up feeling uneasy long after the meal is over. That’s exactly what happened to Sabrina Renda, a 25-year-old woman from Melbourne, who shared her unsettling story on social media. She had booked a table at a local restaurant, and while the evening started off pleasantly, things took a turn when the owner got involved in a way that crossed boundaries. Her experience highlights how personal information shared for simple reservations can sometimes lead to unexpected and uncomfortable situations.
During the dinner, the restaurant owner approached their table, striking up what seemed like a friendly chat. Sabrina and her friend enjoyed the interaction at first, but looking back, she noticed some red flags. He allegedly took a photo of her without asking for permission, which already made her feel a bit off. Then, as they were leaving, she extended her hand for a polite goodbye, but he pulled her into a hug instead, adding to the growing sense of discomfort.
The real shock came later that night when Sabrina checked her phone before bed. At around 12:47 a.m., a message popped up from an unknown number, which she quickly realized was from the owner. In it, he greeted her by name and admitted right away that contacting a customer like this was inappropriate, even apologizing in advance if she found it out of line. He claimed he didn’t usually do things like that, but the late hour and the unsolicited nature of the text left her reeling.
@sabrinarenda * and all girls 🚨 we all deserve to go out and enjoy a girls dinner without coming home to realise we were being creeped on the whole time… This man clearly knew coming on to me in person would be inappropriate… so I’m not sure why he thought taking my number from my booking details and messaging me at 12:47am would be any less inappropriate? If he was willing to cross that boundary, imagine what else he’d be willing to do… DM me for the restaurant name — I found it on TikTok too 🙂 stay safe dolls 💋 #storytime #melbourne #restaurant #fitzroy #fyp ♬ original sound – sabrina renda
Sabrina described feeling deeply disturbed by the whole ordeal, especially since the man appeared old enough to be her father. That age difference amplified her unease, making the message feel even more invasive. She pointed out that he must have pulled her phone number from the reservation system, which is meant for business purposes only, not personal outreach. The fact that he acknowledged the impropriety in his own words suggested to her that he might have tried similar approaches before, which only heightened her concerns.
Reflecting on the evening, Sabrina emphasized how such incidents can spoil what should be a relaxing outing. She and her friend had been looking forward to a fun night, but instead, she went home with a nagging sense of being watched or targeted. It’s a reminder that even in seemingly safe public spaces like restaurants, personal boundaries can sometimes be overlooked. Her story underscores the importance of respecting customer privacy and keeping professional interactions just that, professional.
In sharing her experience online, Sabrina aimed to warn others about the potential misuse of contact details provided during bookings. She stressed that once you hand over your information for a reservation, it should remain confidential and tied solely to that purpose. The owner’s actions, from the unasked photo to the midnight message, left her feeling violated in a subtle yet profound way. Many people who saw her video could relate, as similar tales of unwanted advances in service settings aren’t uncommon.
This kind of behavior raises broader questions about etiquette in the hospitality industry. Restaurant owners and staff often have access to personal data, but using it for anything beyond the service provided can erode trust. Sabrina’s discomfort stemmed not just from the message itself, which wasn’t overtly explicit, but from the context of how and when it was sent. It transformed a nice dinner into something memorable for all the wrong reasons, prompting her to speak out.
Experts in customer service often advise that any follow-up communication should be limited to feedback requests or promotions, always with clear opt-in options. In this case, there was no such buffer, just a direct personal reach-out that felt presumptuous. Sabrina’s reaction of feeling hurt and disturbed is understandable, as it touches on issues of safety and consent in everyday interactions. Sharing stories like hers can help encourage better practices among businesses.
Melbourne’s vibrant dining scene is known for its welcoming vibe, but incidents like this serve as a cautionary tale. Sabrina noted that the hug at the end of the night felt forced, especially after she had only offered a handshake. Combined with the photo and the late text, it painted a picture of someone overstepping without regard for her comfort. Her video quickly gained attention, sparking discussions about how women in particular navigate these subtle power dynamics in social settings.
Preventing such experiences starts with awareness on both sides. Customers might consider using apps or services that protect personal numbers, while businesses should train staff on data privacy. Sabrina’s account illustrates how a single misjudged action can have lasting effects, turning a patron’s loyalty into reluctance. It’s a call for more mindful engagement in an industry built on hospitality.
The emotional toll of feeling “creepy” surveillance, as Sabrina put it, shouldn’t be underestimated. She arrived home questioning the entire evening, wondering if the owner had been observing them more closely than necessary. This sense of vulnerability is what made her decide to post the screenshot and her thoughts publicly. By doing so, she hoped to empower others to recognize and address similar red flags early on.
In the end, Sabrina’s story is about reclaiming a sense of security in public spaces. She advocated for everyone to enjoy outings without the shadow of unwanted attention. The owner’s message, while phrased politely, ignored the fundamental rule of not mixing business with personal pursuits. Her experience reminds us all to prioritize respect in every interaction.
As more people share these narratives, it could lead to positive changes in how restaurants handle customer information. Sabrina’s video encouraged viewers to think about their own encounters and what constitutes appropriate behavior. She wrapped up by reiterating that no one should come home from a meal feeling distressed over something preventable. It’s a simple yet powerful message for both diners and proprietors alike.
What are your experiences with unexpected messages or uncomfortable interactions in restaurants, and how have you handled them? Share your thoughts in the comments.
