Two men have been accused of leaving a family-run Manchester restaurant without paying their £62.99 bill after claiming they were going outside for a cigarette.
The incident occurred at Sweet Mandarin on Copperas Street on Tuesday evening, according to owner Helen Tse, who runs the establishment with her sister Lisa.
The pair arrived at opening time and were the only customers when they ordered dinner for two and a bottle of house white wine.
After finishing their meal, they allegedly told staff they were stepping out for a smoke but failed to return.
Two men have been accused of leaving a family-run Manchester restaurant without paying their billFACEBOOKHelen said: "They sat on table seven and ordered the dinner for two and a bottle of house white. They ate it all and said they were going for a smoke. One left, then the second. Then they ran."
The alleged incident proved particularly devastating for the family business as Helen's mother was undergoing open heart surgery in intensive care on the same day.
Helen had rushed back to open the restaurant despite the family crisis.
She said: "It's been hard today as my mum is in the ICU having undergone open heart surgery. I rushed back to open the shop and these two guys walked in."
The pair arrived at opening time and were the only customers when they ordered dinner for two and a bottle of house white wine
The financial impact comes during challenging times for the hospitality sector.
Helen explained: "It's the toughest it's ever been. I'm dipping into my savings to cover the overheads."
She emphasised the personal nature of the alleged theft, given her family's circumstances.
She said: "You don't come to my family business to rob us whilst mum's [condition] is life or death. You made it personal. This is not a faceless act. It is a punch in the stomach. £62 is a lot of money when trade is hit by the economic crisis."
The incident occurred at Sweet Mandarin on Copperas Street on Tuesday evening, according to owner Helen Tse
Helen took to social media to appeal for the men to return and settle their bill, posting CCTV images of the incident.
The restaurant's social media post said that they had until 8:30pm to pay or could use the restaurant's app if they "feel shy".
She warned that the pair had left behind a phone charger and glasses, which she claimed contained fingerprints and DNA evidence.
The post read: "I've also got the DNA and fingerprints from your wine glasses which I'll give to the police."
The alleged incident proved particularly devastating for the family business as Helen's mother was undergoing open heart surgery in intensive care on the same day.
The appeal concluded with "Manchester name and shame them" and drew widespread support from the community.
One supporter commented: "Stealing is bad enough, but from a small independent family business who are known for their kindness and love? That's just morally bankrupt."
Another wrote: "Thieving scumbags. So sorry this happened to you and I hope everything gets resolved for you."
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