A Wyoming restaurant owner has taken the unusual step of publicly posting alleged dine-and-dashers after a family of four left Sweet Zoey Mediterranean in Casper without paying a $130 bill. Zoey Aldahash said she believed the group intended to walk out after eating a full meal, and she turned to Facebook after saying a prior complaint to police did not lead to an arrest.
Aldahash said the customers ordered a full spread at the restaurant, which is known for baklava and kebabs. She told Cowboy State Daily that the group ate appetizers, drinks, sweets and main dishes before the four stood up at the same time, headed for the door and then ran to a car outside. The owner posted an image that appeared to show a woman, a man and two teenagers.
The Sweet Zoey Mediterranean dine-and-dash episode came after Aldahash said she had experienced a similar problem in 2024, when a group of five people allegedly skipped out on a bill and police did not catch them. Because of that earlier experience, she said she chose not to contact officers a second time. βIn my previous experience, calling the police didnβt work. There was no help, so I didnβt contact the police the second time,β she said.
Aldahash said she viewed the action as straightforward theft. βThese people came here and they intended to steal,β she said. Her frustration was obvious as she described the bill and the sudden exit, asking, βYou come in and order this much, and just leave without paying? Who are these people?β
The post drew a split response from local residents online. Some backed the owner and wanted the people identified and barred from other businesses. One commenter wrote that the photos should be shared widely so the group could be kept out of restaurants. Another said they would contribute $65 toward the bill if the family came forward, calling it half of what was owed.
