A prominent chef who just banned vegetarians from his restaurant claims business has never been better.

On Monday, British chef John Mountain made headlines when he stated that vegan customers would be barred from Fyre, his restaurant in Perth, Australia, for “mental health reasons.”

Mountain told PerthNow that his suspension was triggered by a harsh Facebook review written by a vegan client, which prompted others to write one-star evaluations on his restaurant’s page.

“We started getting all of these negative reviews without any actual comment, which really hurts the business,” he explained.

Mountain’s vegan prohibition quickly spread, and the chef claims it has resulted in fantastic business. According to Mountain, reservations at Fyre have “gone through the roof.”

On Wednesday, he observed, “Things have worked out ridiculously well.” “I usually have a half-dozen people in this lovely restaurant.” I have 35 reservations for supper tonight.”

Fyre’s Facebook page has already been inundated with feedback praising the vegan restriction. Mountain also stated that he has received “overwhelming support” from other chefs.

“I guarantee you, 99% of chefs worldwide fucking despise vegans,” he told The Project. “You can never satisfy them. We’ve always despised vegetarians, as have all cooks.”

“Unfortunately for vegans, this has been the best marketing I’ve ever had,” he continued. “Thank you so much; I adore vegans.” I can now go buy a new property and take excellent care of my animals.”

Mountain told PerthNow that his problem with vegans started when a young woman texted him a few weeks ago and asked whether his restaurant had any vegan alternatives.

The chef said he assured the woman he’d make her a vegan gnocchi meal, but he forgot about her request the night she came in since he was catering a private party. Mountain mentioned that his own sous chef was irritated since he hadn’t told kitchen personnel about the vegan diner.

According to PerthNow, the woman filed a Facebook review the next day, expressing her disappointment that her sole vegan option was a $32 vegetable plate.

“I think it’s incredibly important nowadays that restaurants can accommodate everyone, and not being able to have actual plant-based meals shows your shortcomings as a chef,” she continued.

Mountain confirmed to PerthNow that he hadn’t accommodated the woman when he said he would, but “she made the complaint personal,” which resulted in the suspension.

“It’s not a vegan restaurant,” he continued. “If they want to eat vegan food, they can go to a vegan restaurant.”

Mountain’s statements, however, have not deterred vegan campaigners like Tash Peterson, who believes the ban just demonstrates that “vegans are making an impact in society.”

“There is an increased demand for vegan options; more people are becoming aware of the atrocities occurring in the meat, dairy, egg, leather, wool, etc. industries, and this restaurant appears to have taken issue with that,” one Australian activist told PerthNow.

“By enforcing a vegan ban, this restaurant is only regressing, and they have chosen to be on the wrong side of history.”

Mountain did not react quickly to Insider’s request for comment, which was submitted after usual business hours.