In Los Angeles' bustling Melrose area, Great White, a popular dining venue, has become the center of a heated controversy. On September 27, social media influencer Cassidy Cho visited the eatery and observed a seating pattern that she found disturbing. Cho documented her experience in a TikTok video that rapidly caught the public's attention, showing multiple Asian patrons seated in a distinct corner of the restaurant.
The video raised questions about the restaurant's seating policies, as the main dining area was primarily occupied by white customers, while guests of Asian descent were relegated to a separate section. Cho's direct commentary in the video openly questioned if this was an intentional act or a coincidence. Her suspicions seemed to be confirmed when another Asian party was seated in the same corner, an event also captured in the video.
Great White, which has its roots in Australia, has categorically denied these accusations. The owners, Sam Cooper and Sam Trude, dismissed the claims as unfounded speculation, emphasizing that such allegations have had a significant and detrimental effect on their business operations. The viral nature of Cho's video has spurred a wave of similar accounts from other customers, adding to the restaurant's challenges in countering the growing controversy.
The situation is further complicated by discussions about the restaurant's name, "Great White," which some critics argue carries racial implications, especially given the context of the recent allegations. However, Cooper and Trude maintain that the name is derived from the shark species prevalent in Australian waters and is not related to race.
The debate has spilled over to various social media platforms and Google reviews, with several customers corroborating Cho's observations. These accounts have sparked a broader dialogue about potential discrimination in other establishments, with many reflecting on their own experiences.
In an attempt to clarify their stance, the owners of Great White have reiterated that their seating arrangements do not reflect any bias towards customers' ethnic backgrounds, and they welcome all people to their restaurant. They also expressed frustration over the unexpected scrutiny of their business name in relation to the controversy.
Great White's presence on social media, including nearly 71,000 Instagram followers, features a consistent logo with a shark illustration, supporting the owners' explanation of the name's origin. The restaurant chain offers a diverse menu and operates multiple locations across Los Angeles, but the current allegations have cast a shadow over the establishment.
