‘It’s rammed with tourists’: How Angus Steakhouse became part of a viral Reddit prank

Vonbon Hill

2 min read

·

21-11-2024

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The internet, a sprawling landscape of memes, misinformation, and viral trends, can sometimes catapult the most unsuspecting individuals or businesses into the limelight. This was precisely the case for Angus Steakhouse, a seemingly ordinary establishment that recently found itself at the heart of a bizarre Reddit prank. The ensuing chaos, documented in countless posts and comments, highlights the unpredictable nature of online virality and the power of collective internet humor.

The Genesis of the Prank

The story begins on Reddit, within the sprawling subreddit r/place, a collaborative digital canvas where users could place pixels to create images. Amidst the chaos of competing artworks and internet inside jokes, a small group of users initiated a campaign. Their goal? To flood the online reviews of Angus Steakhouse with overwhelmingly positive, yet utterly absurd, comments.

The pranksters' motivation remains somewhat unclear, a testament to the often-illogical nature of internet humor. However, the sheer scale and creativity of their efforts are undeniable. Hundreds, perhaps thousands, of fake reviews poured into Angus Steakhouse's online profile. These reviews weren't simply positive; they were meticulously crafted tales of exceptional service, unbelievably delicious steaks, and encounters with mythical creatures – all completely fabricated.

The Result: A Rammed Restaurant?

The success of the prank was remarkable. The influx of fake reviews, while clearly satirical, temporarily boosted the restaurant's online rating. More importantly, it generated considerable media attention. News outlets picked up the story, further amplifying the prank’s reach. Social media buzzed with discussion of the “Angus Steakhouse incident,” with many commenting on the ingenuity and absurdity of the stunt.

One particularly amusing aspect of the narrative revolves around the claim that the restaurant was “rammed with tourists.” While the initial prank focused solely on online reviews, the resulting publicity arguably led to a genuine increase in customers—although the extent to which this was due to the prank itself remains debatable.

The Broader Implications

The Angus Steakhouse incident offers a fascinating case study in the power of social media. It underscores how easily a seemingly insignificant event can be amplified into a widespread phenomenon through online communities. It also raises questions about the credibility of online reviews and the challenges of discerning truth from fiction in the digital age.

Moreover, the prank highlights the complex relationship between online communities and the real world. A seemingly harmless internet joke had tangible, albeit temporary, consequences for a real-world business. The incident serves as a reminder of the far-reaching impact of online actions and the importance of responsible digital citizenship. The Angus Steakhouse prank, however unconventional, has certainly left its mark on the internet’s ever-evolving landscape of viral trends.