The owner of a family-run Mexican restaurant in Houston has captured global attention after sharing security footage that appears to show a couple attempting to fraudulently obtain a free meal.
The Suspicious Discovery
Leslie Ramirez, proprietor of the Fajitas Mexican Grill, detailed an incident that occurred on January 12, 2026. A couple, nearing the end of their meal, summoned a waiter to complain about a hair found in their food. The server examined the long, lightly coloured strand and concluded it could not have come from any kitchen staff member.
"They didn't appreciate him not believing them," Ramirez told local media. The situation escalated when the couple became angry, allegedly yelling cruel remarks at the waiter.
Camera Footage Reveals the Truth
Despite their suspicions, the staff chose to comp the meal to avoid further conflict, and the pair left without paying. It was only upon reviewing security camera recordings later that the restaurant's team saw what they believe was a deliberate act.
The now-viral TikTok video, posted by Ramirez, shows the female diner seemingly reach up to pull hairs from her own head, placing them on the table. Her male companion then appears to pick up a strand, arrange it on his fork, and dip it into the remnants of his meal before flagging down the server.
A Plea to Support Small Businesses
Ramirez shared the clip with a poignant caption: "please don’t do this to a small family business, we’re trying so hard to stay open." By the afternoon of Thursday 15 January 2026, the video had amassed a staggering over 15 million views, sparking widespread sympathy and outrage.
Ramirez, who purchased the establishment just two years ago, explained the challenges of reviving the restaurant, which first opened in 1987 and had suffered from prior underinvestment. "We're trying to get people back in," she said to The Houston Chronicle. "It just hurts when people are intentionally trying to hurt us. Trying to provide for our families and our workers."
The owner emphasised that the waiter was not at fault, stating the blame lay solely with the customers who did not want to pay. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by independent hospitality businesses.
