A Coffee Shop Owner Used AI for a Menu. Cue the Angry DMs.

Key Points:

• Megi Endeladze, co-owner of Penny's Coffee Shop in Buffalo, faced backlash after using AI-generated images for a menu poster, which sparked negative comments and threats from customers who opposed AI art.
• Endeladze used ChatGPT to create the menu image and had it professionally printed to save time while caring for her newborn, but the local artistic community reacted strongly against the use of AI, leading to a loss of followers and angry messages.
• In response, she apologized publicly, pledged not to use AI for future artwork, and urged customers to show kindness and respect, highlighting the challenges of running a small business and balancing motherhood.
• This incident reflects a broader tension in local businesses where AI-generated promotional materials have provoked controversy, as some customers and artists feel AI undermines traditional craftsmanship.
• Endeladze expressed frustration over the expectation to hire local artists despite having previously created signs in-house, emphasizing her willingness to return to manual design methods like Canva for future promotions.