A birthday celebration at Mimi's, a high-end restaurant in Sydney, was marred by a controversial "cake-cutting" fee that could cost diners hundreds of dollars. The incident came to light when a comedian, Jeremy Franco, overheard the exchange and shared it online.
A woman celebrating her birthday with a large group was informed by restaurant staff that there would be a $13 per person fee to cut and serve a cake she had brought for her guests. This was despite her allegedly being told over the phone that bringing a cake was free.
Franco recounted the interaction in a video, highlighting the host's distinction: "Yes, that's correct, there's no charge to bring the cake. If you want to bring the cake, have it on the table, and take photos with it, that is totally fine. But if you want to cut into that cake, that's $13 per person."
For a group of 15 guests, the fee would have amounted to $195, and for a table of 20, it would reach $260. Franco questioned the logic and transparency of such a charge, particularly if the initial inquiry over the phone did not clearly state this condition.
The incident sparked a mixed reaction online. Some commenters agreed that the restaurant's explanation was misleading, while others defended the practice. Proponents of the fee argued that it compensates restaurants for the use of their resources, such as plates, cutlery, and staff time, and accounts for lost revenue from not selling their own desserts.
"Restaurants aren't charging for the usage of the plate and knife, they are charging you because you aren't going to buy their dessert and you're taking up seats of paying customers," one person explained.
Others pointed out that Mimi's website does disclose its cakeage policy. Under its frequently asked questions, the restaurant states: "You may order one of the Mimi's cakes from our pastry kitchen or bring your own which will incur a $13pp cakeage fee."
While the policy is published, it remains unclear what specific information was conveyed during the woman's initial phone call to the restaurant. It is also unknown whether the birthday party ultimately paid the fee.