A dinner outing turned legal quandary when Shawneesha Cobbs was arrested at an Applebee's in Portage, Indiana, following a misunderstanding about the restaurant's meal-sharing policy.
An escalated dispute over an "all you can eat" special offer led to a tense altercation involving police intervention and the arrest of Shawneesha Cobbs for disorderly conduct, New York Post reported.
On August 2, Cobbs, alongside two other adults and a group of juveniles, attempted to share a $15.99 endless food option at their local Applebee’s. This recently introduced special featured unlimited servings of boneless wings, riblets, double crunch shrimp, and fries.
The evening took a contentious turn when the restaurant's manager approached Cobbs’ table. They explained that the "all you can eat" promotion was meant for individual patrons, not for sharing, a detail highlighted "per person" beneath the meal's description in bold letters on the menu.
However, Cobbs and her party contended that the wording on the menu didn’t outright prohibit sharing among the table. Consequently, this stance conflicted with the restaurant's policies, leading to a verbal disagreement that the staff felt unable to resolve internally.
As tensions mounted, the manager's insistence on separate meal purchases was met with resistance and increasing agitation from Cobbs' group. Consequently, their discontent became audibly disruptive, prompting a concerned bystander to alert the authorities about "multiple females screaming" and "threatening people" inside the establishment.
Upon arrival, law enforcement officers encountered a volatile scene. Moreover, Cobbs reportedly expressed her frustration not only toward the restaurant staff but also to other patrons, further exacerbating an already tense situation.
Attempts by police to calm the situation were unsuccessful. Cobbs ignored multiple warnings to de-escalate, and despite intervention from a friend, her aggressive behavior led to her arrest. Authorities transported her to Porter County Jail on charges of disorderly conduct.
Cobbs' group saw their hopes of settling their bill with merely the cost of one "all you can eat" meal dashed. They ultimately complied with restaurant policy, paying full price for their orders.
The misdemeanor charge lodged against Shawneesha Cobbs carries grave potential consequences. If convicted, she could face up to 180 days in jail and fines reaching $1,000.
This incident illuminates a broader issue surrounding consumer awareness and clarity of promotional advertisements. While establishments like Applebee's offer tempting deals, the specifics of these promotions often carry stipulations that may not be immediately clear to all customers.
As for Cobbes, her case has sparked a dialogue about the boundaries of promotional offerings and the responsibilities of both patrons and establishments in adhering to advertised policies. Her arrest serves as a stark reminder of the potential misunderstandings that can arise from what appears to be a simple night out.
