A newly opened restaurant in Tenerife, has sparked a lively debate after announcing that influencers are no longer welcome on the premises, even though they used them during the launch of the new business.
Guachinche Casa Aguere, in La Laguna, which specialises in traditional Canarian cuisine, shared a photo on social media of a sign displayed at its entrance reading: "No Entry for Influencers."
The restaurant says the move is aimed at content creators who, in its words, "only want free meals, free travel or free products without offering any real value in return."
In a statement accompanying the post, the restaurant said it wanted to distinguish between professional content creators and those who approach businesses expecting complimentary food or services simply because they have a social media following.
The owners argued that while almost anyone can buy a camera, post videos and call themselves a content creator, building a loyal audience that genuinely trusts recommendations takes far more effort.
They stressed that the message is not intended as a criticism of content creation as a profession, but rather of those seeking free products or experiences without providing meaningful exposure or business benefits.
Social Media Divided
The post quickly attracted hundreds of reactions, with opinions split over the restaurant's decision.
Some users praised the move, saying too many businesses are pressured into offering free meals in exchange for social media posts that deliver little or no return. Others described the decision as a refreshing stand against what they see as a growing culture of entitlement among some influencers.
However, critics accused the restaurant of hypocrisy, pointing out that it had invited several content creators during its launch period to help promote the business and attract customers.
A Growing Debate
The controversy reflects a wider discussion taking place across the hospitality industry in the Canary Islands and beyond, where restaurants are increasingly questioning whether influencer collaborations provide genuine value.
For some businesses, social media creators can bring valuable publicity and new customers. For others, frequent requests for free food and services have become a growing frustration, particularly from individuals with relatively small audiences or limited engagement.
Whether seen as a clever publicity stunt or a genuine policy, the sign at Guachinche Casa Aguere has certainly achieved one thing – getting people talking.
