China restaurant owner rejects fame after being overwhelmed by growing number of customers

A Chinese diner has gone viral after its owner rejected the trappings of popularity, mirroring a so-called lying flat attitude adopted by many youngsters in the country.The chicken pot restaurant in Foshan, Guangdong province, southern China recently attracted unprecedented traffic. It once had over 200 groups of customers waiting for more than three hours.The diner specialises in combining chicken pot with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) herbs, but that is not why it went viral.The main reason was the owner’s peculiar rejection of popularity.Restaurant owner Mo, above, shouting in frustration over amount of work pressure he is under. Photo: SinaSurnamed Mo, the eatery boss tried his best to stop vloggers promoting his business.In one video by a food influencer with over 10 million followers, Mo tells his visitors that his “life will become hard” if they make his diner appear too delicious in their film.He also specifically asked the vloggers “not to brag”.Also, as opposed to people who only say the good things about their business, Mo honestly lists the possible risks his customers might face.Mo’s crowded restaurant, above, is so popular that people queue up outside to get in. Photo: Sina“People who dine at this restaurant might find themselves having loose stools, this is a normal phenomenon,” says a notice in the restaurant.The notice explains that it is the effect of the natural herbs added to the soup, which helps remove the body’s dampness.It also warns that pregnant women should not drink the soup.The diner had to extend its opening hours to meet the traffic.Further ReadingMo’s daughter posted a video of her father collapsing at the diner while cleaning up one night, saying her dad was “completely drained”.Mo also did an interview telling people “not to come”.As a result, his eatery has been given nicknames such as “the restaurant that least wants to be famous”. Mo was also dubbed “the biggest slack-off restaurant owner”.Eatery boss Mo, above, takes a brief rest and presents a tired expression to the camera. Photo: SinaMo’s attitude has been linked by some to the tang ping, or “lying flat” attitude among Chinese youngsters, who are tired of the societal pressures to overwork and opt instead for a low-desire lifestyle.Some said they wanted to visit the restaurant because “removing dampness” is considered an important function in Guangdong, where the climate is moist and sticky.“Not welcome, and there is nothing I can do for you,” one online observer said, mocking the owner’s attitude.“There is a traditional Chinese saying that goes ‘Good wine needs no bush’, which perfectly describes the owner’s reluctance,” said another.