Bengaluru’s Meghana Foods Issues Apology For Denying Lift Access To Delivery Agents: ‘Clown Behaviour’

Meghana Foods, a renowned Bengaluru restaurant chain, issued an apology after facing severe backlash over a controversial poster that barred food-delivery workers from using the lift. A photo of the notice,

displayed at one of its outlets, quickly went viral and drew intense criticism online.

The poster at the popular biryani joint read, “NOTE: Swiggy & Zomato delivery boys not allowed in the lift. Please use the stairs. Thank you.”

Restaurant Faces Allegations of Discriminatory Conduct

The poster prompted an extensive conversation online, with many users arguing the message reflected a discriminatory attitude towards delivery workers. One user wrote, “Imagine banning the people who keep your business running. Clown behaviour.”

Another stated, “This is unacceptable. Either have a takeaway counter outside so that they can properly pick up the food, or give them access to the lift.” Someone else commented, “Meghana Foods is trying to save on electricity bills. And trying to lose respect. No respect for humanity.”

One user wrote, “Age-old habit of treating people differently based on their occupation,” while another called it, “Cheap thinking.”

One comment alleged, “It’s not about priority or convenience or floors. This is about them trying to enforce classism.”

Meghana Foods Issues Apology Statement

Following the huge backlash, the restaurant took to Instagram to issue an apology, acknowledging the poster was inappropriate.

“A recent poster at one of our Meghana Foods outlets telling delivery partners to use the stairs has been brought to our attention. While the intention was to offer our customers convenience from crowded elevators, we were inconsiderate to our delivery partners. That was wrong. It should never have been put up,” the statement read.

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Emphasising that delivery partners are integral to the restaurant’s operation, the statement added, “Our delivery partners work incredibly hard and deserve respect, dignity, and care – always.” It continued, “We take full responsibility. The poster is down, and the mistake has been addressed internally.”

“We issue a sincere apology to our delivery partners. You are the core of the Meghana Foods experience, and we hope you can forgive us as we work towards making your experience better,” the statement concluded.