Dwain Downing wrote to Benji Arslanovski, operator of Our Place Restaurant in Masnfield, complaining that he did not receive a discount on a Sunday special when the accompanying soup ran out.

Mr Arslanovski has said the restaurant made clear that the soup was only included in the deal “while supplies last”.

But Mr Downing insists the menu amounted to “an offer for a contract” between the restaurant and the customer which he accepted.

He described the failure to provide the promised soup as “a deceptive trade practice in violation of Texas Law”.

In his letter, he wrote: “I demand that you pay $2.25 in damages and $250.00 in attorney’s fees for the cost of this demand letter. In addition, I demand that you change your policy and if you do not have an item, either offer a substitute side or give a reduction in the price.”

In the wake of a social media backlash, Mr Downing has refused to state whether he intends to make good on his legal threats.