A misunderstanding over an “all you can eat” deal at an Applebee’s restaurant in Portage, Indiana, led to the arrest of a customer earlier this month. The incident occurred on the evening of August 2, when Shawneesha Cobbs, 28, and her group attempted to share one “all you can eat” special among themselves, according to local police.
The police were called to the restaurant around 8:38 p.m. following reports of a “verbal disturbance.” Dispatchers had informed the responding officers that there were “multiple females screaming” and “threatening people.” Upon arrival, Cobbs and her group, which included two other adults and several juveniles, explained to the police that they had ordered one “all you can eat” special to share among themselves.
The special, which had been announced just a few days prior on July 29, included unlimited servings of boneless wings, riblets, double crunch shrimp, and fries for $15.99. However, the restaurant’s manager informed the group that each person would have to pay for their own serving of the deal, presenting them with a revised bill to reflect the larger order.
A dispute ensued between the manager and Cobbs’ group, with the diners alleging that the manager had acted “very unprofessionally.” They also contended that the menu did not specify that the deal was “per person.” However, when the police examined the menu, they noticed the words “per person” clearly printed in bold letters under the “all you can eat” heading.
As the police attempted to defuse the situation, Cobbs pointed out a couple leaving the restaurant, claiming she had had a verbal altercation with them earlier. This led to a renewed argument, during which Cobbs became “very loud and disorderly,” drawing the attention of other customers, as per the arrest report. Despite attempts by another member of her group to calm her down, Cobbs continued to be disruptive.
After multiple warnings, Cobbs was arrested for disorderly conduct and taken to Porter County Jail. Later, one of the members of her group, realizing their misunderstanding about the terms of the “all you can eat” deal, returned to the restaurant and paid the bill in full. Applebee’s has not yet commented on the incident, and it remains unclear when Cobbs was released from jail or when she is due back in court.