Waitress at New Zealand's first Karen's Diner reveals customers want them to be more 'ruthless'

If you're on TikTok, you're no doubt aware of the infamous Karen's Diner; an interactive experience where the customer definitely isn't always right.

Karen's Diner was first introduced in Australia with several locations across the country. It quickly took off and a location has just opened in Auckland, with others planned for the United States and Canada.

The chain of restaurants are known for their rude service and unprofessional manner but there are limitations. According to the restaurant's website no racist, sexist, homophobic or ableist comments or slurs are allowed.

Body shaming and sexual harassment are also no-goes along with vandalism and throwing food.

But the dining experience has been proving controversial of late with a string of complaints emerging from their locations in Australia.

Most recently an outraged customer at the Brisbane diner lashed out at staff over a "cruel" joke about his receding hairline.

In a clip on social media the man can be seen pointing out the joke goes against the chain's rules.

But despite the controversy overseas, it seems the Kiwi version has a very different problem.

Waitress Erin Lauder, from the newly opened Auckland restaurant, said their biggest complaint so far is that they're not ruthless enough.

"Most of the complaints on social media are that we're not ruthless enough because they've seen all of Australia blow up and everything that's going over there," she told Newshub.

"This is the first one in New Zealand and we're all young, we're all getting used to it and we're getting into that role. So that's probably the biggest complaint I've seen going around."

Lauder said all the staff are careful to follow the rules but also try to make it a fun and unique experience.

She said the restaurant is proving so popular because it's totally unique and different from anything else on offer.

"I don't think I've ever seen somewhere that is like this… I think because it's so new and it's so exciting, once one of your friends goes, you're going to want to go and then you're going to tell all the people about it and it just keeps going on. It's a domino effect, and if people enjoy it and they have fun, then I think that's why it's blowing up."

The restaurant has diner classics such as hot dogs, burgers, chicken wings and chips. There are also cocktails, floats and milkshakes on offer.

Watch the full video above.