In a bizarre yet telling incident, a woman’s attempt to game the system at an Applebee’s in Portage, Indiana, ended not in a cheap meal but with her behind bars. Shawneesha Cobbs, 28, thought she could outsmart the restaurant by trying to feed her entire table on a single “all you can eat” meal deal. But her scheme unraveled when the bill arrived, leading to a heated confrontation that drew in the police.
On August 2, Cobbs took her group, consisting of two other adults and several juveniles, out to Applebee’s for what they likely hoped would be a budget-friendly night of endless boneless wings, riblets, shrimp, and fries. The $15.99 deal, which had only been introduced a few days prior, seemed like a great way to feast without breaking the bank. But Cobbs had more than just saving money in mind—she wanted to feed her entire party with that single meal.
The plan, of course, was doomed from the start. When the manager informed them that each person would need to pay for their own meal, Cobbs and her group became belligerent, arguing that the menu did not specify this restriction. The situation quickly escalated, with the group refusing to pay more than $16 for their entire table’s meal.
As the dispute heated up, the manager was forced to call the police. Officers arrived on the scene, already warned by dispatchers to expect “multiple females screaming” and causing a disturbance. Cobbs and her entourage argued vociferously, claiming that the restaurant’s policy was unclear. However, their argument fell flat when the officers pointed out the words “per person” clearly printed on the menu beneath the “all you can eat” heading.
What could have been a simple resolution turned into a full-blown spectacle when Cobbs began shouting at another couple dining nearby, further escalating the chaos. Despite multiple warnings from the police to calm down, Cobbs refused to back down, even as a friend attempted to intervene and defuse the situation.
Ultimately, Cobbs was arrested for disorderly conduct and taken to Porter County Jail. Her attempt to scam Applebee’s out of a few extra meals ended up costing her much more than she bargained for. The misdemeanor charge she now faces carries a potential sentence of 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine—a far cry from the $16 meal she was so adamant about not paying more than.
In the end, Cobbs’ group was forced to pay their bill in full after realizing their mistake, leaving them with a hefty dose of embarrassment on top of their now properly charged meal. This incident is a stark reminder that trying to bend the rules for personal gain not only undermines the social contract but can also lead to serious consequences.
Applebee’s has yet to comment on the incident, and it remains unclear when Cobbs was released from jail or when she is due to appear in court. What is clear, however, is that a night of trying to eat on the cheap has turned into a costly lesson in personal responsibility.
