Hard Rock Cafe Customer Feels Mocked Over Celiac Disease

Celiac.com 03/12/2025 - A Hard Rock Cafe customer has claimed a server made fun of him for having celiac disease after he refused to pay for a meal containing gluten. 

TikTok user @youngparislive captured part of his uncomfortable interaction with the staff at the Hollywood, Florida location, sharing it with his followers.

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'Are you celiac?' the TikTok user asks the server. 'I'm not,' the server responds, as she's clearing the space. The irate man replied: 'Okay, cool, I'm celiac, and you just threw a jab at me.' The conversation grows steadily more tense, with the server telling the customer she finds it 'funny' he would still eat fries, which are cooked in the same fryer as products containing gluten. 'I don't eat fries, I didn't ask for the fries, moron,' he replies scathingly.

The server then called her manager over the help sort out the uncomfortable situation. In the comments, the man said the he received a refund and a food comp for the trouble caused. The customer also noted that there are different degrees of severity, and he can tolerate some beers. Some comments noted that while fries are technically gluten-free, because they're potato, in fast food restaurants they are often prepared in situations where cross contamination can occur. 

In the caption, he wrote: 'Celiac disease sucks but so do people who don't take it seriously.' Celiac disease is a serious autoimmune disease that occurs in genetically predisposed people, hindering the ingestion of gluten which leads to damage in the small intestine. He seems to ignore the fact that the server said that her friend has celiac disease, and rightfully points out that the French fries are not safe for him, nor is the beer that he ordered.

It is estimated to affect 1 in 100 people worldwide, but only about 30 percent are properly diagnosed. Celiac disease can develop at any age after people start consuming gluten. Left untreated, celiac disease can lead to additional serious health problems. 

The main lesson that could be learned from the customer's approach is that it might make more sense to be less confrontational with the staff at restaurants, because his aggressive approach to the staff was clearly not helpful in this situation. Likewise, it's possible that the server could have handled the situation differently, and not made certain assumptions about the customer's gluten-free diet requirements.

Celiac.com urges those with celiac disease who decide to eat in a restaurant to make a positive connection with the server before ordering to discuss their needs in detail. If a mistake happens, be polite and take time to explain why you need to send the food back. If necessary, politely ask for the manager and ask for a refund. Restaurants in most states are not required to serve us, so it is important to be kind, even if you are frustrated, in order to help any fellow celiacs who might follow in your footsteps.

Watch the original video here, and read more at: dailymail.co.uk