Cazuelas Mexican Cantina, a popular restaurant on East Broad Street in Columbus, Ohio, recently found itself at the center of an unexpected controversy that has sparked heated discussions on social media.
What started as a routine dining experience for a group of customers soon turned into an incident that left both the restaurant’s employees and the online community outraged.
On a busy Sunday evening, the restaurant was filled with guests enjoying their meals and the lively atmosphere. Among the staff working that night was Ricardo, a dedicated waiter known for his friendly service and commitment to his job.
Like many service industry workers, Ricardo worked multiple shifts to support himself, balancing two jobs to make ends meet.
As he attended to his tables, one particular customer, later identified as Stephanie Lovins, dined at the restaurant and eventually received her bill.
The total amount of the check was $87.84, and while Ricardo expected a gratuity, what he found instead was a message that left him stunned. Instead of leaving a tip, Lovins wrote, “Zero. You suck,” in the gratuity section.
However, the most shocking part came in the form of a statement scrawled across the signature line, reading, “I hope Trump deports you!!!” The hateful remark immediately raised concerns among the restaurant’s employees, who were deeply disturbed by the note left behind.
One of Ricardo’s colleagues took a photo of the receipt and shared it on social media, hoping to shed light on the discrimination that service workers often face.
Within hours, the post went viral, receiving thousands of reactions and comments from people expressing their outrage and support for Ricardo. As the online community dug deeper, Lovins’ identity was revealed, linking her to a well-established real estate agency, Century 21.
With a career spanning nearly three decades, she was recognized as a seasoned real estate agent, making her actions even more alarming to the public.
As public backlash mounted, Century 21 was quick to issue a statement addressing the situation. The company stated that they did not tolerate hate and discrimination, emphasizing that they were taking the matter very seriously.
After an internal review and discussions with the respective broker, Century 21 confirmed that Lovins was no longer associated with the company.
Realizing the severity of the situation, Lovins attempted to deny responsibility, claiming on social media that her credit card had been lost or stolen. She suggested that someone else may have left the message, hoping to distance herself from the growing controversy.
However, the management at Cazuelas Mexican Cantina reviewed security footage from the evening, which clearly showed Lovins dining at the restaurant and signing the bill herself.
With her claims debunked, public outrage only intensified, prompting further discussions on workplace discrimination and the responsibilities of professionals to uphold ethical standards.
The Columbus Realtors Board also confirmed that Lovins was not a current member, further isolating her from the industry.
Meanwhile, the local community rallied around Ricardo, with a GoFundMe campaign launched to support him. Titled “Tip Ricardo: Because Hate Has No Place Here,” the fundraiser quickly gained traction, surpassing its initial goal in just a few days.
Cazuelas Mexican Cantina also released a statement reaffirming its commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all customers and employees.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the power of words and actions, as well as the accountability that comes with them.
While Lovins may have expected her message to go unnoticed, the overwhelming response from the public has reinforced the importance of respect, tolerance, and standing up against discrimination in all forms.
Feature Image Credit: (Facebook/Jasmine Lisi)
