Good restaurant service no excuse for compromising kitchen rules

TWO OUTLETS OF THE hot pot chain Haidilao in Beijing have been shut down after media reports said mice were seen running on their kitchen floor and the tableware was dumped in a dirty sink with dustpans. Thepaper.cn commented on Saturday:

Haidilao responded within hours of the publication of the reports and offered a detailed plan to take corrective measures. Rather than making the kitchen staff the scapegoat, it said the management would take the bulk of the responsibility - an exemplary PR attempt to win hearts.

But to many who have almost unconditional faith in the hot pot chain, the exposure of compromised kitchen conditions comes as a rude shock. The hot pot catering company is more often known for its over-considerate service than its food. Female customers waiting to get a table could be offered a free manicure, and those who forget to carry an umbrella on a rainy day may have a taxi waiting for them before they leave.