Drone attack at popular US restaurant

A US restaurant's attempt to encourage diners to kiss under drone-operated mistletoe has failed miserably – after one of the helicopters crashed into a newspaper photographer's face.

Courier Life photographer Georgine Benvenuto was at New York institution TGI Friday to cover its new "Mobile Mistletoe" installation when the drone went haywire.

"It liberally chipped off a tip of my nose," Ms Benevenuto told Courier Life.

"It took off part of my nose and (hit) me right under my chin."

The culprit turned out to be one of the drones uncovered, spinning blades.

Drone operator David Quiones said the accident had never occurred before and, according to the Courier Life, is attempting to blame Ms Benevenuto for the accident.

Mr Quiones had encouraged the paper's reporter to land the smaller of two aircrafts when the incident occurred. But Ms Benevenuto says the blame lies squarely with Mr Quiones.

"He is the one controlling it – he needs to be more careful", she said.

A spokesman for TGI Friday's said that customers are warned to stay clear of the drone's blades.

Mr Quiones said he is not concerned the incident will discourage people from visiting the restaurant.

"If people get hurt they're going to come regardless. People get hurt in airplanes, they still fly," he said.