Restaurants in Williamsburg are becoming cautious of frequent diner Pei “Lou” Chan, yet she managed to dine and dash again on Wednesday night.
This 32-year-old aspiring food influencer has been arrested multiple times, totaling five, for causing disturbances at Michelin-starred establishments like Francie Lugar and Peter Lugar. To add to her troubles, she’s over $40,000 behind on rent for her upscale apartment in Williamsburg, as reported.
Dressed in a fur coat, carrying a white Louis Vuitton bag, and wearing a cashmere beret, she was seen at the Hole in the Wall café on Bedford Avenue on Wednesday evening.
Staff members at local restaurants are increasingly alert to her tactics, with some suggesting that owners should consider contacting the police.
During her five-hour stay, Chan accumulated a $77 bill but inexplicably didn’t touch her pan-seared salmon, bucatini carbonara, or burrata salad—details shared by a staff member who recognized her immediately.
“She ordered three dishes, and my manager confronted her. He told her, ‘I won’t keep this food unless you pay for it,’ and she just laughed,” said Ross, a waiter who preferred not to share his last name.
When Chan arrived around 5:30 p.m., a video shows her seated at a corner table shortly after she posted a photo on Instagram before heading to the bathroom. The restaurant opted not to get the NYPD involved.
Chan remained at the restaurant for hours, scrolling through her phone, while her food went untouched. “She spent five hours just like that,” Ross noted.
Despite her legal troubles—arrested twice last Saturday at other restaurants and facing charges for dining and dashing—she shows little concern. Previously, she had been charged for not paying at other venues as well.
Chan’s behavior continued even after the weekend, with reports that she frequently leaves without settling her bill.
According to her LinkedIn, she is originally from Taiwan and moved to New York in 2019 on a full scholarship to Pratt University, where she studied information design. Her current employment status is unclear, particularly with significant unpaid rent looming.
A neighbor has described unsettling antics, including loud outbursts and leaving trash in shared spaces. Reports suggest she even managed to break down a door in her building.
Staff at Hole in the Wall believe Chan’s actions are primarily for attention. “It’s completely about fame and notoriety,” remarked Ross.
Interestingly, Chan’s social media following surged from 13,000 to 22,000 this past week. She didn’t respond to inquiries for comments.
“It seems the police are hesitant to get involved since it’s not worth the hassle for them, and she knows it. Every interaction just enhances her content,” remarked a waiter, noting concerns over the trend among younger generations.
Word is circulating quickly among local businesses, as management seeks to spread awareness of her tactics.
