While it’s unlikely that all viral eateries will one day have a bouncer, some restaurants have found the role necessary. Take Katz’s Deli in New York City, for instance. The famed restaurant has a long, storied history in the city and will forever remain part of pop culture due to “When Harry Met Sally.” This has made Katz’s very popular, and demand for the institution has surely only increased thanks to viral posts about its pastrami sandwiches on platforms like TikTok. So, it too, has opted to hire bouncers to deal with its crowd. (It’s actually had them since at least 2015.)
While this may seem like an extreme measure, bouncers help keep things organized and can prevent a line from quickly turning into a mob. In addition to checking IDs, the role of a bouncer is to ensure the safety of all in the building, which is why establishments like bars and events like concerts often use them. The fact that restaurants are turning to bouncers may grab the headlines, but it’s just part of a wider narrative on how social media is affecting the food that we consume. Restaurants are increasingly catering to the flashy dishes that will draw in a crowd from miles around. However, the bouncers are proof that fame and popularity come with a price, and not all eating establishments want to be the next viral sensation.