Hotel owner bans bankers from his restaurant after being denied loan

A restaurant owner in Paris is thoroughly miffed with bankers, so much so that he’s banned them from entering his establishment. A sign outside the place reads: “Dogs welcome, bankers banned (unless they pay an entry fee of Ksh 8 million).”

Alexandre Callet’s obvious displeasure towards bankers stems from the fact that many of them turned down his request for a loan to open a second restaurant. He said that he felt humiliated because the amount he asked for is “nothing” compared to the turnover of his Michelin-ranked restaurant, Les Ecuries de Richelieu. In fact, most of the bankers who turned him down, he says, know him and have actually dined at his place.

“I believe in reciprocity,” the 30-year-old said. “They have treated me like a dog, so I have denied them access. As soon as I see a banker that I recognize I won’t let them enter my restaurant. This is not just a kebab shop. My restaurant is in the Michelin guide and film stars come in.”