In a bold move to combat buffet theft, Family Mookata has announced a strict zero-tolerance policy for customers who attempt to take away food from its all-you-can-eat offerings. The local chain, famed for its affordable Thai barbecue experience, has faced increasing incidents of diners packing food into personal containers, prompting this decisive action.
A Firm Stand Against Buffet Theft
Declaring its policy on 3 January 2024, Family Mookata emphasised that all buffet items are strictly for dine-in only. Any individuals caught attempting to remove food from the premises will be banned from all locations, with their images displayed at outlet counters to prevent their return.
Recent Incidents Spark Action
- Four incidents of buffet theft reported since 2023.
- Two incidents occurred in the Jurong West branch alone, which opened in late November 2025.
- The most recent case involved a mother who was caught on New Year’s Eve.
According to owner Fiona Lim, the increasing number of offences has left them little choice but to take a firmer stance. “Once one diner does it, it sets a precedent… even if everyone takes only a little, it adds up quickly for small businesses like ours,” she explained.
Policies in Place to Combat Waste
Previously, Family Mookata attempted to tackle the issue by implementing a food wastage charge of S$10 per 100g but noted this has had little effect.
Lim shared that staff members are often reluctant to confront offenders, especially amid peak hours when enforcement can be challenging. In one instance, a customer even accused the restaurant of being “petty” for implementing such rules.
The Bigger Picture: Community Trust
Family Mookata operates on the premise of trust, aiming for a rewarding dining experience where customers can enjoy their meals with mutual respect. “We just want customers to enjoy the food at our outlets, with mutual understanding and without taking advantage of our small business,” the spokesperson noted.
As they manage this challenging situation, Family Mookata hopes that their firm measures will remind guests of the communal spirit of buffet dining—and discourage any temptation to pack takeaways.