A dispute over how much meat was on a shawarma plate turned into a fistfight at a Lachine restaurant Saturday, and Montreal police are investigating. Wajih Kurdi, the manager of Amir, a franchise that serves Lebanese food, says a woman ordered a mixed shawarma plate and left with her food. About 30 minutes later, he says, her husband walked in and complained there was not enough meat in the order. “He was saying, ‘You think I’m stupid? Like, I don’t know the price of the chicken and the beef,’” said Kurdi. Kurdi explained that the customer got what she paid for, but he did offer the man a full refund. A mixed shawarma plate comes with rice, potatoes, and salad. According to Kurdi, the man wanted the plate to be filled with just beef, chicken, and potatoes. Kurdi said the larger portions of meat come at an extra charge. He said the situation quickly escalated, and the man jumped over the counter and started throwing punches. “He continued to hit me on my face, everywhere. I was trying to protect my face,” said Kurdi. He added that his wife, who wears a hijab, was also working that day. Kurdi says the man hurled xenophobic remarks at them. “[He said], ‘You have to go back to your country,’” recalled Kurdi. This is not the first altercation with a customer. Two months ago, Kurdi said another worker was spat on by a customer. He adds he wants to see the man who attacked him face consequences. Montreal police say the investigation is ongoing. No arrests have been made. “Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect,” said Kurdi.
