I don’t know about other people. But, I had this perception many times. I went to many expats’ restaurants in Taiwan. At first and second time, the owners are nice. But, I always felt the third time is strange. Unless I bring a large group of people. I have seen they smiling in front of me. But, I saw in the reflection of the mirror, they were staring nasty at me. I always paid all my meals. I don’t order the cheapest ones. I am dressy. I don’t get into trouble.I never bother anyone. I always greet people and I am nice to their staff. I don’t give tips because it is not a mandatory in Taiwan. Could this be the reason?
I’ve never had this experience at a restaurant. Usually when the shop is unfriendly (I’m looking at you, Sichuan place on Lishui Street!) they make their unfriendliness very clear on my first visit. I then take my money elsewhere.
I did however have a similar experience at a tailor shop before. After the tailor helped alter my garments a couple times, he basically chased me out of his shop on my third visit! That was in the mid-2000s. It was clear he didn’t want to deal with me, and for some reason he tolerated it a couple of times before losing it. No harm as I eventually found a better tailor doing very good work at a reasonable closer to my home—and she’s much friendlier too. 
Guy
Sorry you had this bad experience. Damn, some of those Sichuan restaurants really suck. I can only taste pepper and vinegar in the food.
I usually get along great with expats that have restaurants in Taiwan. And they are typically very friendly towards me and everyone else. There is one exception. I won’t say which place. The owner never remembers me, and in fact speaks to me in Mandarin. I’m half Asian so I can understand the mistake, but I’ve talked to this owner before in English. He always looks angry. I’m sure I’m not the only one wondering what crawled up his ass. But damn, the food is good and it’s a decent sized place so it’s easy to ignore him.
They’re like snipers. First time the cigarette is lit they spot it, second time they take aim, third time you’re barred.
Nope, I’ve never experienced this.
I would say no, the opposite.
It would be hard to imagine someone opening a restaurant and have this kind of attitude in the service industry for food and beverage. Usually you have at least 1 owner who is a people person.
I don’t see why someone would not want to you eat at their restaurant as a customer unless you’re doing something to piss them off. It’s a tough business with razer margins and you’d get as much people in as possible to stat alive.
To be fair, you do get some characters in the hospitality industry. Often it’s a question of WTF did you choose this profession? However, the foreign restaurateurs I’ve come across have generally been normal. The guy who owned JB’s (going back a while) was a bit odd.
Do you give tips? I don’t give. But, I don’t know if this could be the reason since it is not a mandatory in Taiwan. If this could be a problem, then I will tip them.
I have never been to JB’s. I am checking the Google. His restaurant looks pretty.
I have a habit of tipping at nicer restaurants if the server was good. I don’t think it’s the issue as tipping is not expected. Taiwan doesn’t get enough American tourists for the service industry to expect tips.
I’m always more aware in Europe as if they hear I have an american accent I think they do expect a tip as Americans tip. I do tip in Europe at nice restaurants to the server or sometimes the doorman if the hotel has them. I have found tipping the doorman can often make your life easier at the hotel if they know you and treat you well in unexpected ways.
I don’t even smoke. There is one thing people might feel annoyed. When the restaurant owner talks to me, I am very talkative. But, I try to be friendly. Maybe I talk too much. I don’t know.
How do they stare nasty at you?
Weird thing for them. Don’t go back.
I cannot imagine even 2 different restaurants ever doing this to the same customer.
Definitely weird.
It’s closed.
I mean they fake the smile. But, when I turn back, I see the reflection in the mirror. The facial expression is something “Oh no, this weird woman again” I don’t know if I am weird. But, they talk to me first. Then, I start be friendly. Then, they might think I talk too much. When they ask about my profession. I say I am a teacher. But, they ask “What else do you do?” I just reply “I don’t need to do anything else because I am also a heiress”. So, they think I am annoying because of it.
You laughed at my answer. Is it too bad to be a heiress? It is not my fault my grandpa wanted to give me his money.
I dunno, maybe keep that part quiet for now. And find friendlier restaurants.
Guy
I laughed at both them asking if you have any other job and your answer.
I have never been asked if I have a second job.
Being a heiress is fine.
Who knows what’s going on in their mind with them asking those questions.
If you don’t feel comfortable, then no need to go back to that restaurant. Most likely a 1-off situation with that restaurant.
Now…if other restaurants are asking the same line of questioning, then that’d be strange indeed.
lol Now, I think it is strange you have never been asked the same questions. Everyone asks me. lol
No, us whities get the standards:
You like Taiwan?
You like Taiwan girls?
You married?
What is your salary?
That was years ago. Nowadays, I have deeper conversations. Lol
The use of “a” rather than “an” is rather annoying, it has to be said.