Queenstown burger bar Fergburger has publicly apologised after a tourist was given a receipt containing a racial slur.
A photograph of a receipt, dated for Sunday, was posted to social media on Monday by a Taiwanese tourist.
The poster alleged their friend did not give their name to the server who then identified them on the receipt as “ching chang”.
The tourist also contacted local tour guide Roxie Fu and told her she was “shocked” at the experience.
“Fergburger is such a big company that’s iconic to Queenstown and New Zealand, it’s a shock to see this behaviour, especially in such a tourist-friendly area,” Fu told 1News.
She added that many people had expressed their disappointment and anger about the incident online.
“It’s not only offensive to one country, but the whole Asian community.”
However, Fu said the tourist was “quite happy” with Fergburger’s response to the incident.
“She’s glad they’re taking it seriously.”
Fergburger released a public statement following the post that acknowledged a “recent incident involving inappropriate and insensitive labelling on a customer order”.
It said an internal investigation was immediately launched to understand how it occurred.
“We have written to the customer to express our gratitude for their feedback, extend a sincere apology for the distress caused, and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that no customer experiences a similar situation at Fergburger.”
The customer was also invited to contact them directly if they wished to discuss the matter and Fergburger said they would be kept informed throughout the investigation.
It clarified that the employee whose name was on the receipt was not the employee responsible.
“We take this matter extremely seriously and are committed to ensuring that no customer experiences such behaviour again. We are grateful for the feedback that allows us to address issues promptly and improve our practices.”
