Man Takes the Whole Family to Cheesecake Factory. Then Mom Notices Something Strange—and They Walk Out: ‘I Wasn’t Even Planning on Filming Today’

A man took his family out to the Cheesecake Factory for his mom’s birthday, and it took an unexpected turn. The Thai lettuce wrap appetizer was allegedly repeatedly served containing a clump of dirt.

TikToker Jermee (@ imjermee) shared a video recounting his experience. The viral post surpassed 242,400 views.

What happened at the Cheesecake Factory?

In the clip, Jermee said he was not expecting to post, but his disappointing experience forced him to share the impromptu video. He stated that he was enjoying an appetizer favorite, the Thai lettuce wraps,  with his family when his wife stopped his son mid-bite. She noticed something under the lettuce. After inspection, a large clump of dirt was found on the underside of the lettuce.

“This thing of dirt was like a quarter-size round and a half-inch thick,” he explained.

The appetizer was immediately sent back to the kitchen.

The family expected the appetizer would be replaced and the issue resolved.

Instead, Jermee said they were left waiting for 10 minutes before the appetizer returned.

And that’s when things took a more disappointing turn.

The replacement allegedly came back looking the same

Jermee claimed that when the appetizer returned, it was essentially in the same condition.

For him, the situation stopped being about dirt on the lettuce.

He said he lost faith in the kitchen and no longer felt comfortable eating their food.

Rather than continue with the meal, he demanded the check.

Jermee claimed a manager tried to address the situation, but the conversation did not restore his confidence in the restaurant.

Ultimately, he opted to pay the bill, tip the waitress, and leave.

Apparently, the family left the Cheesecake Factory and headed to Chili’s.

Can dirt on lettuce be harmful?

Dirt on produce isn’t just an unpleasant surprise. It can have potentially harmful effects.

Soil can have microorganisms like bacteria and parasites that can cause food poisoning and other gastrointestinal illnesses. 

Currently, the CDC is investigating a multi-state outbreak of cyclosporiasis linked to iceberg lettuce. Cyclosporiasis is a gastrointestinal illness caused by the Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite.  Symptoms include watery diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps and fatigue. As of August 5, over 6500 cases have been reported with 278 hospitalizations and 2 deaths.

Although it was not confirmed that the dirt on the lettuce was contaminated, it raised reasonable questions about whether the lettuce was cleaned thoroughly before being served.

How common are lettuce-related illness outbreaks?

Since 2018, numerous foodborne illness outbreaks have been linked to lettuce and other leafy greens. 

In 2018 and 2019, an E. Coli outbreak was linked to romaine lettuce from several farms and affected customers at several restaurants.

In 2022, Wendy’s was involved in another E.Coli outbreak across six states. The lettuce in their sandwiches was identified by the CDC as the source of 97 infections.

Did the Cheesecake Factory respond?

In the comments, its TikTok account posted a message apologizing and offering to investigate: “We’re so sorry to hear this! would you mind sending us a DM so we can look into it asap.”

@imjermee And the problem started with LETTUCE, of all things in this economy. I don’t love making a video like this but I am just blown away. So many issues and just handled so poorly @The Cheesecake Factory But on another note I have made the Thai lettuce wraps at home so maybe I’ll share making some in the next week. And I actually wash the lettuce. #cheesecakefactory #kitchennightmares #healthcodeviolation #gross ♬ original sound – imjermee

People Are Shocked

Jermee’s experience struck a nerve with viewers.

Many viewers were flabbergasted that the restaurant made the same mistake twice. Especially while an outbreak is currently affecting the country.

“Also what a time to bring unwashed lettuce right now not once but twice!” exclaimed one user.

“That’s absolute insane behavior from Cheesecake Factory especially right now!!” said another.

Other viewers stated that they lost a customer.

“Ooohh maybe no cheesecake factory for me then my bf just showed me this after a week of me asking to go,” said another.

For many customers, when confidence in a restaurant’s kitchen is lost, very little can be done to win them back.

The Mary Sue reached out to the Cheesecake Factory via email and Jermee via TikTok direct message.

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