Overview

• Kenny Chou, owner of Table to Stix Ramen in Evanston, Illinois, was filmed chasing and verbally threatening a Black customer who did not leave a tip on a $19.89 meal.
• The confrontation, captured on video, went viral and fueled debates on tipping culture and racial bias in the U.S. service industry.
• Chou has publicly apologized, describing his actions as a regrettable loss of composure, and has sent a handwritten apology and a free meal to the customer's brother.
• The restaurant has faced protests, negative online reviews, and a boycott, leading to the suspension of its phone and social media operations.
• The Evanston Police Department has confirmed an ongoing harassment investigation into Chou’s conduct during the incident.