A small New Jersey business is facing backlash after its “Speak English or Pay $10 Extra” sign went viral on TikTok and Twitter.
Cutter’s Edge, a blade sharpening business located in Clifton, New Jersey, currently has a 1.5-star rating on Yelp with 135 reviews, many made in the last few days.
The influx in reviews is most likely in response to a viral tweet and TikTok video showing a hand-written note posted on the front door that said non-English speaking customers must pay $10 extra. Another sign that reads “TRUMP: Make America Great Again” was also on display nearby.
According to USA Today, the sign has since been taken down by shop owner Dave Feinberg, who told the publication he posted the handwritten message two weeks ago out of frustration over a potential customer who did not speak English.
“I had something to get off my chest,” he said.
Spreading the word of Cutter’s Edge extra charge, a TikToker by the name Francisco Pina made a video featuring images of the sign and the store’s address on Tuesday.
“Do your magic, TikTok,” Pina wrote on his post, which has racked up over 13,000 views.
Yelp reviewers were seemingly sent to the business’ page after seeing the sign on social media. Most of the current reviews include a photo of the sign.
“How embarrassing in this day and age that someone would find the need to exclude people from giving them business, especially during this pandemic when small businesses are already struggling,” said Yelp reviewer Em. H.
Feinberg told USA Today that he regretted posting the sign after receiving numerous angry phone calls.
Users on Twitter were also quick to note another sign on the window about hiring that says “girls ok” to apply.
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