No pricing nor teller, restaurant loses money

A restaurant in Fuzhou, capital of Fujian province, has suffered a big economic loss as it has no prices for its dishes.

Opened in August, the restaurant that serves coffee, cakes and dishes has no waiters, and customers were told to simply pay what they think the meal is worth.

Liu Pengfei, the restaurant owner, said the intention to start the restaurant was to establish an honor system and encourage people to bring the virtue of trust back to their work and lives.

“The restaurant does not mean you can eat and drink for free. You just pay what you like,” Liu said. “If you have the nerve, you can just walk away and pay no money.”

Despite earning great popularity, with a packed dining room almost every day, the restaurant has lost some 250,000 yuan ($41,000) since its opening.

“About 20 percent of customers won’t pay anything,” Liu said.

Liu said he has no idea how long the restaurant would keep running but insisted he would hang on as long as possible.

“In my eyes, those who don’t pay for the dinner are somewhat sick people. I want to continue treating them with the restaurant that sends a positive message.”