Cape Restaurant Temporarily Closes After Customers Make Staff Cry

BREWSTER, MA — A Cape Cod restaurant closed for breakfast Thursday morning after customers berated staff to the point some employees cried, management said.

Like many other restaurants, Apt Cape Cod in Brewster has struggled with staff shortages and high customer demand after coronavirus restrictions were lifted.

"As many of our guests and patrons treat us with kindness and understanding, there have been an astronomical influx daily of those that do not, swearing at us, threatening to sue, arguing and yelling at my staff, making team members cry," the restaurant said in a statement on its Facebook page. "This is an unacceptable way to treat any human. So Chef Regina and I have decided to take the day and give the staff time deep clean the restaurant, train, and treat my staff to a day of kindness."

Restaurant management also reminded customers many employees at the restaurant are young, and some are working their first job to help pay for college.

Apt Cape Cod reopened for dinner Thursday. Since then, several customers left notes of support for the restaurant's employees, and one guest bought the staff ice cream gift cards.