Global star shocked by ‘crazy’ price of banana in Bondi Beach
The young American has a net worth of around $15 million but was upset he had to pay so much for the humble fruit.
How much would you expect to pay for a banana?
An American YouTube star was left shocked by the price of a single banana at a cafe in one of Sydney’s most affluent suburbs.
Darren Watkins Jr., better known as IShowSpeed, began his tour of Australia last week and headed to Bondi Beach to livestream to his 33.4 million followers.
In between being swarmed by fans and getting rejected by a “Bondi Baddie” on the beach, the 19-year-old from Ohio went to Campbell Parade to find a quick bite to eat for lunch.
While waiting for a fried chicken burger at Salties, he grew hungrier and decided to duck into a neighbouring cafe, Bondi Kahvé, for a snack.
“I need something quick,” he told an employee. “I’ve got three minutes.”
After being informed that everything on their menu would take about 20 minutes to prepare, Watkins Jr. grew desperate and spotted a banana behind the counter.
The cafe, which has a 2.8-star rating, was happy to sell him the fruit — but at a cost.
When he went to pay, the cashier said it would be $3, leaving the YouTuber taken aback.
“$3? For one banana? Bananas cost 15 cents!” he exclaimed.
Another staff member joked, “We’re in Bondi! You’re rich. You can pay double.”
According to Celebrity Net Worth, IShowSpeed’s net worth is estimated to be around $15 million AUD.
“Do you think I’m rich? What makes me rich?” he replied. “It doesn’t matter. $3 is still crazy.”
In the comments, many Aussies agreed that prices in Sydney were “unbelievable.”
“Welcome to Sydney’s prices …” one person commented.
“It’s because he’s in Bondi – usually it’s 70 cents at a grocery store,” another pointed out.
Currently, Cavendish bananas are priced at 72 cents at Woolworths and 68 cents at Coles.
“Lucky it wasn’t a Sunday; it would have been $6 with the surcharges,” a third joked.
“One bottle of water costs $6 in Sydney,” quipped a fourth.
“Good on him for calling them out! A banana should NOT cost $3,” a fifth replied.
Others described the price as “insane” and “stupid.”
However, some defended the cost, suggesting that the cafe likely made up the price since they don’t typically sell bananas.
“The cafe probably improvised the price because they don’t usually sell them, and they need to make a profit,” someone wrote.
“That’s what you get for going to a cafe instead of a supermarket,” added another.
“Why is he acting like he’s not a millionaire?” asked another user.
Google Reviews shows that the cafe has been criticised for being “overpriced” and “disappointing.”
A Big Breakfast at the cafe costs nearly $30, while an Avocado Bruschetta is $26.50 and an Acai Bowl is $18.
News.com.au has contacted Bondi Kahvé for comment.
Elsewhere on the livestream, the star, who was wearing a Socceroos jersey, ventured onto the sand at Bondi Beach, and tried to interact with the locals.
However, not everyone was eager to meet him.
He approached a young woman in a bikini, but she turned her back on him, showing little interest in chatting.
And that wasn’t his only mishap.
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A keen fan snatched his hat and tried to run away with it but he chased him down and managed to get it back.
“What the f*** is wrong with you, bro? This is a gift! Don’t steal my hat,” he reprimanded.
Streamers and video content creators like IShowSpeed, Logan Paul and MrBeast have amassed huge followings in recent years.
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