N.J. restaurant writes ‘happy wheelchair birthday’ on disabled customer’s dessert. Here’s what we know.

A birthday dinner at an upscale New Jersey restaurant took an unexpected turn when dessert arrived at the table with an insensitive message.

Antonia Sinibaldi , a Hudson County native who suffered a spinal injury in a car crash when she was 2 years old, spent her 29th birthday at Blu on the Hudson back in June with her friends and family.

When Sinibaldi's dessert arrived at the table, next to a lit candle was a message written in icing: "happy wheelchair birthday!"

"It took me by surprise," Sinibaldi, who has relied on a motorized wheelchair and ventilator for most of her life, told CBS News . "I shouldn't be reminded of something that I already know."

The Weehawken resident told CBS News she asked management for an explanation, but was unsatisfied with their response.

"He offered to send me more drinks, more drinks, more drinks," Sinibaldi told CBS News. "What good will that do?"

Sinibaldi declined comment at time of publishing. Messages left for Blu on the Hudson were not returned.

In a statement given to CBS News, Blu on the Hudson apologized for the incident.

"We at Blu on the Hudson are aware of the recent video circulating on social media, and we are deeply saddened by what occurred. We sincerely apologize to the guest and to everyone who was hurt or offended by this incident which took place on June 20, 2026. Treating every guest with dignity, respect, and care is fundamental to who we are as a company."

The statement went on to provide further context for the incident, noting Blu on the Hudson's staff uses tables and seat numbers to identify where dishes are delivered. "Wheelchair" was used as a reference for where the birthday dessert with a candle was to be delivered, but was not intended to be written on the plate.

"There was absolutely no malicious or disrespectful intent behind the notation," the statement read. "However, we fully understand how seeing that word written on a plate could be deeply hurtful and upsetting."

Blu on the Hudson also said in the statement it has since talked to the staff about the importance of proper ticketing and communication, in hopes of making sure an incident like this doesn't happen again. The restaurant said it also unsuccessfully attempted to reconnect with Sinibaldi to apologize further.

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