Yoki Buffet — Restaurant in Cleveland

A Disheartening Experience – Clear Bias and Unequal Treatment

I recently dined at Yoki Buffet in Cleveland, TN, and left feeling both appalled and embarrassed by the treatment I received. As a Black customer, I could not ignore the stark difference in how I was treated compared to two white families seated near me, all of whom were served by the same waitress.

When I requested a to-go box for my leftovers, the waitress immediately informed me that I would be charged $7.29 per pound. However, I had just overheard two other parties request and receive their boxes without any mention of a charge or restriction. When I asked why I was being given different instructions, the waitress suddenly claimed she did not understand me. When I requested to speak to a supervisor, she abruptly walked away, saying, "I do not know."

At that point, I asked if she spoke Taiwanese, hoping to communicate more effectively. This prompted her to call the supervisor, who then questioned what I intended to put in my to-go box. I explained that I wanted to take my leftover hibachi, but she immediately refused, pointing instead to another plate from which I had sampled various items. This was yet another example of arbitrary and unfair restrictions imposed only on me.

Before walking away, the supervisor attempted to excuse the waitress’s behavior by saying she did not speak English well. I made it clear that the supervisor herself understood me perfectly, and I expected her to recognize and address the clear bias and double standard being applied. She offered an apology for the waitress’s actions but did nothing to correct the discrimination I had already experienced firsthand.

It was both disappointing and infuriating to witness such blatant inequity. While other customers were given the freedom to take their leftovers without question, I was met with scrutiny, resistance, and restrictions that were selectively enforced. This experience made it painfully clear that Yoki Buffet does not treat all guests equally, and I cannot, in good conscience, support an establishment that upholds such discriminatory practices.

I will never return, and I strongly encourage others to be mindful of where they spend their money. No one should have to experience this kind of treatment in any establishment, let alone one that claims to welcome all customers.

The Parable of the Blind Men and the Elephant

A group of blind men, having never encountered an elephant before, were brought to one and asked to describe it. Each man touched a different part of the elephant and came to a separate conclusion:

One who touched the trunk said, “An elephant is like a thick snake.” One who touched the tusk said, “No, an elephant is like a spear.” One who touched the leg said, “You’re both wrong! An elephant is like a tree.” One who touched the side said, “No, an elephant is like a wall.” One who touched the ear said, “An elephant is like a large fan.” One who touched the tail said, “You are all mistaken—an elephant is like a rope.”

The men began arguing, each convinced that his perception was the full truth. A wise man overheard and explained that they were all partially correct but failed to see the...

In the wilds of Cleveland, Tennessee, there’s a place where the culinary adventurous gather, seeking the thrill of exotic flavors. This place, known as Yoki, promises a culinary adventure that’s as thrilling as a trek through the untamed wilderness, sans the predatory wildlife. Our party of eight, plus a cherubic infant, embarked on this gastronomic expedition with hopes as high as the Great Smoky Mountains. The setting was typical, with decor that whispered of far-off lands where dragons roam and fortunes are found in cookie form. The buffet spread before us was a mosaic of colors and shapes, each dish a promise of the Orient delivered in a steamy haze. My wife and I, armed with chopsticks and an appetite for discovery, dove into the sushi and buffet offerings. Alas, the treasure we sought was as elusive as a decent parking spot on a rainy day.

The sushi, a staple of culinary artistry, was as remarkable as a politician’s promise – bland and quickly forgotten. The buffet items, a parade of “box” Chinese food, were as inspiring as a lecture on paint drying techniques.

Our young companions, with palates honed by years of fast-food indulgence, declared the chicken to be the doppelganger of McDonald’s famed nuggets. A high praise if one’s culinary benchmark is set by the golden arches. As we navigated through the sea of mediocrity, our waitress, a zealous plate collector, swooped in with the stealth of a hawk. Plates were whisked (while we were still eating) away with the efficiency of a pit crew at Daytona, leaving us to wonder if there was a hidden timer ticking our minutes at the table.

In the end, Yoki left us unimpressed, our dreams of a Chinese feast as shattered as a dropped fortune cookie. It seems the quest for authentic flavors must continue elsewhere, for Yoki is a place where expectations go to gently weep. So, we bid farewell to Yoki, a restaurant that will not see our shadows darken its doorstep again. For in the land of plenty, where choices abound like stars in the Tennessee sky, mediocrity is a guest that overstays its welcome. I couldn't give any more stars. I was not impressed. And I will not...

Went here for dinner with my family of 8. First impression was the host. She was rude. As I told her the number of our family, with how many adults and how many children she asked for their ages. So I again begin to tell her 4 adults, +.... she cuts me off and says again "what is their ages?!"

After we get that settled she literally runs us to a seat... she takes us to a booth on one wall and a table across the way. She asks, "is this okay?" And well quite frankly it wasn't. I have a family of 8. 4 little children my husband and 2 teens. We sit together for our meals. Even at home. I asked her politely if we could.have a bigger table, that would accommodate our family. She sighs, and takes off to the very back corner of the store. We follow. As we walk up to 2 tables. When on one side the other on the other side. I say. Oh okay, well this is better.. can we pull them together? The waitress comes up and sees that we want to pull the 2 tables together, she cuts in and says, uhhhh no no no. Very confused and angry at this point. I ask why not. She says that table stays over there. Then the host and waitress start speaking their language back and forth aggressively. I unfortunately agree to this mishap. I don't understand why a restaurant as large as this one doesn't have seating to sit a family or party of 8. Crazy! My children where monitored by "food monitors" when they would go get their food. Even one woman speaking to my daughter, and saying, " now you know you're not gonna eat that". Tf!! My adult daughter was stared down for getting chop sticks. The China Wok in Athens has better food. And Amazing service.

Me and my family WILL never step foot back in this place. And would not recommend it to anyone. Go to Athens for better...