Robert Irwin issued an apology after dining and dashing at a popular restaurant in Australia over the weekend.
“Hey, guys — Robert here,” the son of late “Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin began his selfie-style Instagram video Sunday.
Calling it a “funny story,” the 21-year-old conservationist explained that he’s currently “roadtripping down the east coast of Australia.”
He “stopped in” at the Jetty Pavilion in the city of Coffs Harbour “for a bit of dinner,” ordering a salad to go.
“Little did I know this place is the place to be,” he shared, noting that the eatery was “packed.”
Robert said he was instantly met with fans who wanted to chat and take pictures with him, so he made it a point to say “hi to absolutely everyone.”
However, the experience quickly “turned into a bit of a frenzy.”
Taking notice of the “flurry” happening, the zookeeper said the employees prepared and packaged his food “super fast” so he could get out of there.
It wasn’t until the next morning that he realized he “never paid” for his salad.
“I just did the old dine and dash,” he admitted with embarrassment, adding that he “didn’t even realize” he’d done it.
“I felt terrible,” he lamented.
Right away, Robert called the Jetty Pavilion and offered to pay for his dinner over the phone, but the staffers insisted it was no problem, citing that they “love” the work he does.
They simply asked him to leave them “a good review.”
Instead, Robert took to Instagram to urge his 7.8 million followers to support the “fantastic local business” with a “great team,” “great food” and “amazing atmosphere.”
“That’s my review. They are the absolute best!” the wildlife photographer concluded, reiterating, “I apologize again.”
He also vowed to pay for his meal the next time he’s in town because “today is not the day I start my life of crime — as much as the tabloids would love that.”
He quipped that he would not “steal any more salads” on the remainder of his travels.
“Blown away” by the shout-out, the restaurant commented in part, “We can only imagine how hard it must be to enjoy a quiet meal without being bombarded so thank you again for choosing us, and no stress about missing the payment!”
They went on, “We’d absolutely love to have you back anytime… we might even have to name a salad after you 🐊🌿.”
Robert’s sister, Bindi Irwin 26, also commented, “Followed! Yay @jettypavilioncoffs 🎉, while the siblings’ mom, Terri Irwin, added, Can’t wait to try the @robertirwinphotography salad special next time I’m in Coffs!”
