by Brooklyn, New York — Several restaurant owners and employees say a woman known for her online food posts has been making rounds through some of New York City’s most popular dining spots, allegedly ordering elaborate meals only to refuse payment.
Authorities say the pattern has continued for weeks, with 34-year-old Pei Chung now banned from multiple venues as investigations into repeated incidents of theft of services continue.
Multiple Restaurants Report Similar Incidents
According to police, Chung has skipped out on bills at at least seven restaurants across New York City, with six of those incidents occurring in Williamsburg alone. Some owners report that she returned to the same establishments multiple times — including visiting the upscale restaurant Francie twice within the same month.
Employees at these restaurants describe Chung as well-dressed, often carrying high-end accessories. One server remarked that staff had begun referring to her as “the Instagram foodie who wears Prada but pays nada,” reflecting the confusion and frustration caused by the repeated behavior.
High-Profile Visit to Peter Luger Steakhouse
One of the most widely discussed incidents took place at Peter Luger Steakhouse, where staff say Chung ordered nearly $150 worth of steak, sides, and dessert during an October visit. She later posted glowing reviews on her food blog, sharing polished photos of the meal with her followers.
However, restaurant employees told NBC New York that the situation became suspicious when Chung remained for hours and then allegedly claimed she was unable to pay her bill. Staff say she even tried to barter with personal items from her bags — including a pair of kitchen shears — instead of providing payment.
“We knew something wasn’t right when she kept stalling and then tried offering random items instead of a card,” an employee said in a statement provided to the news outlet.
Police were eventually called and Chung was escorted out of the restaurant. Staff say she returned the following day, but by then the employees recognized her immediately and refused to seat her.
Thai Restaurant Incident Leads to Another Arrest
The pattern continued over the weekend when staff at Sea, a well-known Thai restaurant in Williamsburg, say Chung ordered more than $100 worth of food before her credit cards were declined. Surveillance footage shared with local news outlets shows her speaking with employees as a security guard stood near the exit.
Police were once again called, and cellphone video captured outside the restaurant showed officers handcuffing her. A waitress told reporters that the interaction lasted several minutes as staff attempted to verify whether she had another form of payment.
“Every card she tried was declined. We’ve never seen anything like this,” the employee said.
Six Arrests and Continued Social Media Posts
Police records indicate that Chung has been arrested six times on the same charge: theft of services. Despite the repeated arrests, she has continued posting photos and videos highlighting meals she is accused of obtaining without payment.
Her Instagram page still features numerous restaurant visits, some of which match the dates and locations of the alleged dine-and-dash incidents.
At the popular Williamsburg restaurant 12 Chairs Café, staff said a woman matching Chung’s description ordered a large amount of food on Monday and again refused to pay. In this instance, employees decided not to involve law enforcement and allowed her to leave.
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Legal Proceedings Continue
Chung did not respond to requests for comment from local reporters. Court documents show that she is currently represented by a public defender, and her next scheduled court appearance is set for December. Authorities say additional charges may be filed if other restaurants come forward with similar reports.
Legal analysts note that while dine-and-dash cases are often considered minor offenses, repeated violations across multiple establishments may lead to increasingly serious consequences, especially if the behavior continues while cases remain open.
Share Your Thoughts
What do you think about the rising number of dine-and-dash cases or the role social media may play in influencing high-risk restaurant behavior? Join the discussion and share your views at mikeandjonpodcast.com.
