The Old Spaghetti House roasted over AI food photos

Industry figures urge kindness as restaurant chain struggles to stay afloat.

The Old Spaghetti House (TOSH) is under fire for allegedly using artificial intelligence to generate images of food items, with netizens calling the images “unappetizing” and “disgusting.” However, figures in the food business are urging commenters to be kind.

Cara Florido, a chef and food stylist, spotted the supposedly AI-generated poster at TOSH’s Robinsons Place Antipolo branch.

“WTF IS THIS?? Wala bang budget for food stylist??? Mura lang ako beh! Ako na! Palitan niyo yan TOSH, nakakadiri,” Florido said in a Threads post on October 20.

Florido shared an image of the poster, which highlighted five different pasta combos from TOSH. Netizens said the food photos exhibited signs of AI use, including suspiciously smooth textures, unconventional food shapes, and awkward-looking details in items such as bread and meat.

Other netizens also said the images looked “unappetizing” and discouraged them from patronizing the restaurant. “I can’t look at them too long, I see worms and feel ick,” said Threads user @leighpod.

Florido added that she was not repulsed by the mere use of AI, but by the allegedly AI-generated food images themselves. “Not totally AI hater, I’m good with it as long as nagagamit [nang] wasto, like enhancer… pero sana nag Canva na lang,” she said.

An owner of a milk tea shop chimed in, sharing how they used AI to design their menu while retaining actual photos of their products.

“Used AI lang para sa color/font and other detail pero used raw photo pa din lalo pag food kasi di talaga appetizing yung auto generated,” said Threads user @crsntmndzsls.

Amid the backlash, some figures in the food industry urged netizens to choose their words carefully, warning that harsh comments could affect staff morale.

Marc Marasigan, a DJ who works with bars and restaurants, stressed that the entire food and beverage industry is struggling.

“I’m not defending the use of AI or at least, better real photos. What I’m pointing out is the posting of harsh comments against a struggling business that will not help them survive the crisis. Kasi may mga madadamay na wala namang kasalanan like waiters, cooks etc if the business doesn’t survive,” he said.

Restaurant Owners of the Philippines president David Sison also asked netizens to extend compassion, pointing to TOSH’s downsizing in recent years.

“Real people cook and serve there. The Old Spaghetti House was once a big brand with many branches. From what I know, it’s down to one now, and like most of us, it’s fighting to stay open. You offered to help. That’s the best part of this post. Let’s be kind,” Sison commented.

TOSH was established in 2003 by couple Lizzie and Chito Guerrero, who are also connected to the family that owns Cravings Restaurant. Known for its spaghetti meal combos and comfort food favorites, the restaurant had nearly 20 branches across Luzon at its peak.

Currently, TOSH has three remaining branches: Robinsons Place Antipolo, Sumulong Highway, where it shares a location with grill restaurant Grilla, and Makati City, where it shares a location with Peruvian restaurant Chikos.

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