Coworker Banned from Office Events Over Catering Criticisms

Some office drama is small, like who forgot plates. And then there’s the kind that turns lunch into a public roast, where everyone suddenly remembers they have feelings.

This team has a routine: coworkers take turns planning office events and handling catering, so nobody feels like they’re stuck with the same job every time. But Alex, OP’s coworker, started turning every food choice into a critique, from “I don’t like this” to a full-on lunch blowup where Alex shouted that the catering was “garbage,” right when OP had picked it.

What makes it messy is Alex didn’t just complain, they kept showing up with their own food, including a huge pizza order that completely ignored the potluck theme, and now OP is wondering if banning Alex is going too far.

Original Post

So, I'm (27M) part of a close-knit team at work that likes organizing office events. We usually take turns planning and catering these events to keep things interesting.

Everything was going smoothly until my coworker, let's call them Alex, started becoming overly critical of the catering choices. It started with subtle comments like 'I don't like this' or 'This food is too spicy,' but it escalated quickly.

Recently, during our team lunch, Alex made a scene by loudly proclaiming, 'This is the worst catering ever, who picked this garbage?' Everyone was uncomfortable, and it felt like a personal attack since I was the one who had selected the catering that day. I tried to brush it off, thinking maybe Alex was having a bad day, but the behavior continued.

They began bringing their food to these events, claiming they had 'better taste' and 'could do a better job.' It's not about the food; it feels like they're undermining the effort we put into organizing these events. I reached my breaking point last week when Alex brought in a large pizza order during our planned potluck, completely disregarding our theme.

When I confronted them about it, they shrugged it off, saying, 'You guys never get it right anyway.' That was it for me. I politely but firmly told Alex that they are no longer welcome to attend or contribute to any future office events we organize.

Now, Alex is upset, claiming I'm being exclusionary and unfair. Other coworkers have mixed reactions, with some supporting my decision, while others think I'm overreacting.

It's creating tension in our team, and I'm starting to doubt if my actions were justified. So, WIBTA for banning my coworker from office events due to their catering criticisms?

Comment from u/bananabanjo47

NTA. They brought it on themselves by being unnecessarily critical and disruptive.

That first “This food is too spicy” comment probably sounded minor, until Alex escalated it into a lunch scene while OP was the one who chose the catering.

Comment from u/muffin_maniac

Alex sounds like a pot-stirrer. NTA for setting boundaries.

Comment from u/sparkleunicorn999

Just order Hawaiian pizza for the next event, maybe then Alex will appreciate the effort. But seriously, NTA.

Then Alex started bringing their own food to office events, acting like they had “better taste” and could “do a better job” than the whole team.

Comment from u/coffeebeanlover

I get constructive criticism, but Alex sounds like they're just causing trouble. NTA.

It matches the dilemma in a worker banning a coworker from lunch due to offensive behavior.

Comment from u/cookiesandcream24

NTA. It's about respect for your team's efforts, not just the food.

Comment from u/thunderstorm87

Alex is the office potluck party pooper. NTA for standing your ground.

The tension really snapped when OP had a potluck theme planned and Alex showed up with a large pizza order anyway, like the rules didn’t matter.

Comment from u/jellybelly2021

Imagine gatekeeping team lunches. NTA, Alex needs to learn some manners.

Comment from u/musiclover22

NTA. Alex's behavior was disrespectful. Maybe they'll appreciate the effort once they're not included.

After OP confronted Alex and got the “You guys never get it right anyway” shrug, the ban went from “boundary” to “controversy” overnight.

Comment from u/rainbowsparkle123

Alex needs to chill. NTA for setting boundaries against disruptive behavior.

Comment from u/carrotcakefanatic

NTA. Alex needs to realize their actions have consequences. Office events are supposed to be fun, not drama-filled.

We'd love to hear your take on this situation. Share your thoughts below.

Now OP is stuck asking if they overstepped, while Alex is acting like the office events are a personal review channel.

Before you judge Alex, read if banning a coworker after sabotaging a client lunch was justified.