A restaurant in Las Vegas has apologized after a Bluey-themed event went wrong, ruining the day for parents and children alike.
Popular restaurant chain Dirt Dog hosted a free event on May 11 advertising games, treats, face painting and the chance to meet Bluey, the extremely popular Australian children’s cartoon dog.
However, the operation began heading south when about 3,000 people responded to the restaurant’s Facebook event and staff were completely overwhelmed as hundreds of parents and children lined up down the block to meet Bluey.
Much to the guests’ disappointment, when they got to the front of the line, they were greeted by “a guy in overalls,” as one bewildered customer described it.
Popular restaurant chain Dirt Dog hosted a free event on May 11 promoting games, treats, face painting and the chance to meet Bluey, the popular Australian children’s cartoon dog.
Additionally, the restaurant’s untrained staff messed up the face painting and the kids’ treats ran out before everyone could get inside.
Some parents also complained about the restaurant’s cleanliness and the boy dressed as Bluey’s apparent disinterest in the children.
Outraged customers flooded the restaurant’s Facebook page with negative reviews about the event.
‘I understand they had to be quick designs, but whiskers and a paw print? The promised “treats” were pastries for which you had to pay. We didn’t see games or activities,” one parent wrote.
‘Dollar Tree’s Temu Bluey costume and decorations are featured in Dirt Dog Las Vegas Rainbow! Thank you for ruining my 3 year old’s day!’ wrote another scorned mother.
‘My son was heartbroken and I already drove 45 minutes. We love dirty dog… but this time, my friends, you ruined it. “Bad marketing, bad thinking, you really let my son down,” wrote a third.
The negative response was so overwhelming and so public that the restaurant’s marketing team felt compelled to make a statement.
Taj Wilder told a local television station that staff only expected 50 to 60 people to show up, despite thousands who responded to the Facebook page.
“We are very sorry that this event was not the expected experience,” the restaurant wrote in an apology posted on its social channels.
‘We are overwhelmed with the participation in this event. “We will continue to improve our events to ensure nothing like this happens in the future.”
Much to the guests’ disappointment, when they got to the front of the line, they were greeted by “a guy in overalls,” as one bewildered customer described it.
About 3,000 people responded to the restaurant’s Facebook post announcing a free Bluey-themed event for parents and children.
Popular California and Nevada restaurant chain Dirt Dog hosted the disappointing event; Pictured is an example of a chain location in Las Vegas.
Staff were overwhelmed by the number of families who showed up and were left without supplies.
While many attendees were disappointed by the experience, others appreciated the effort and appreciated that the restaurant was hosting a free event for local families.
The minor event disaster in Las Vegas had similar echoes to the now world-infamous Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Experience event in Glasgow that took place several months ago.
The event sparked dozens of memes, and was even mentioned in the House of Commons by Conservative MP Penny Mordaunt, after it made headlines in February when children were wrongly promised unlimited sweets at a store.
The Glasgow event, organized by the House of Illuminati and businessman Billy Coull, was shut down after just half a day when angry parents called the police.
Even though organizers posted photos on social media of thousands of sweets in the days leading up to the event, one parent claimed her children were only given a couple of jelly beans and a quarter can of Barr’s lemonade.
Instead of a whimsical world of wonder, the children were led through a pitiful, nearly empty warehouse populated by distraught families and overwhelmed actors.