An Asian customer received a receipt with the name “Ching Chong” on it when they visited Cornerstone Cafe in New York City, New York.
The female customer, who wished to remain anonymous, was shocked when she received the receipt naming her “Ching Chong”, a derogatory term for Asians. A friend of the customer, Ziggy Chau, decided to post this to their page and asked friends to boycott the restaurant for its racist comment.
“This just happened to my friend…right here in NYC!! Please boycott this place Cornerstone Cafe NYCuntil they publicly apologize. Better yet, call them directly and let them know they have a racist staff. Racism has no place ANYWHERE. Asians friends—– speak up for ALL… not just when it affects you, please. Can you please share this to your page? Hate to get political but this president is making it ok to come out and be blatantly racist.#blacklivesmatter NY1“
Later, Chau decided to call the restaurant to see if anything could be resolved. Chau reported this response:
“***UPDATE*** 7PM
My friend didn’t want to make a big deal of it. I just took it upon myself to at least call the restaurant and speak to the manager and let them know this happened. I explained the situation to the manager by the name of Rocco who then proceeded to ask me so what is the customer’s name then? I said irregardless, the receipt said Ching Chong, a derogatory term for Asians. He made an excuse and said maybe the server misheard the name. I said the receipt is being shared on social media and his restaurant should respond to it. I asked him to issue a public apology on their social media channels so we shall see what happens.
My friend didn’t want to make a big deal of it. I just took it upon myself to at least call the restaurant and speak to the manager and let them know this happened. I explained the situation to the manager by the name of Rocco who then proceeded to ask me so what is the customer’s name then? I said irregardless, the receipt said Ching Chong, a derogatory term for Asians. He made an excuse and said maybe the server misheard the name. I said the receipt is being shared on social media and his restaurant should respond to it. I asked him to issue a public apology on their social media channels so we shall see what happens.
I am sure not everyone that works there is racist. I don’t want innocent people to lose their jobs but it is NOT ok to think it is ok to mock and be bias to people that are different from them!!!
This is not about being petty or over sensitive…this is about speaking up when it matters.”
This is not the first time an Asian customer has received racist receipts; in 2011, two UC Irvine students were handed Chik-fil-A receipts labeled “Ching” and “Chong”. In 2012, an Asian-American woman reported that a Papa John’s gave her a receipt with the name “Lady Chinky Eyes”. Also in 2012, a Starbucks employee served two Korean customers drinks with “chink eyes” drawn on them instead of their names.
