Ramen Jiro's Fuchu branch, known for its massive portions and strict rules, recently ignited a firestorm online. The controversy erupted last week after the shop posted an announcement about a "20-minute eating limit" and followed up with a dismissive response to customer feedback. Many netizens slammed the "cult-like rules" and vowed to boycott the shop, especially after the official account retorted with a curt "do as you please," drawing widespread condemnation.
After days of intense backlash, the shop finally issued a public apology yesterday (July 7), announcing that the time-limit notice posted inside the store had been removed. Moving forward, the store's social media accounts will be managed directly by the owner.
The whole kerfuffle began when the Fuchu branch posted on social media, urging customers to finish their meals within 20 minutes. The original intention was to maintain table turnover and the kitchen's serving rhythm, but many interpreted it as "immense pressure." The real tipping point came when a netizen commented, "If there's a rule like that, I won't go," and the shop's account shot back with "Then please don't," which immediately sparked outrage.
Following days of online uproar and debate, the official post stated:
Regarding the recent notice posted, our social media posts on X, and our rather strong-worded replies to comments, we understand that these actions have led to the misunderstanding that "Ramen Jiro is a harsh and high-pressure establishment." This has caused anxiety and inconvenience for our customers, Jiro fans, and many related parties, and for this, we are truly sorry. We deeply reflect on this.
First, the "20-minute eating limit" notice at the store entrance has been removed. The related social media posts have also been deleted. In the future, social media posts will be personally handled by the owner of the Fuchu branch.
Finally, we apologize once again for our extremely rude remarks.
While many netizens felt the Fuchu branch didn't need to apologize for its operating style, with one commenting, "It's an era where customers choose shops, and shops can also choose customers." Others pointed out, "Posting rules isn't the problem; the real issue was that 'do as you please' remark, which made the shop seem arrogant and uncaring towards customers." Some even argued that the tone of the social media posts was the biggest problem.
However, voices of support for the shop also emerged. One netizen stated, "Ramen Jiro relies on high table turnover to maintain its business model of large portions at affordable prices. Customers who take too long affect the entire rhythm." They added that even if they wouldn't dine there themselves, it's not a big deal as long as customers accept it.
Some netizens also wondered if the shop's social media manager and the owner shared the same views on such rules. If the owner didn't endorse the "then don't come" attitude, then the social media manager was truly the fuse that lit the firestorm, and the shop's management should find a solution for this.
Of course, Ramen Jiro has always had its unique dining culture and rules, and plenty of people accept them, otherwise, its branches wouldn't consistently be packed. However, this "20-minute eating limit" explosion might prompt the shop to rethink how to address the issue of customers "slowly eating while on their phones" causing delays in serving, and perhaps find better methods and ways to communicate.
via： togetter