The Tip That Left An Impression
I work at a restaurant that’s inside a casino/hotel. This past week has been rough and very frustrating for everyone. Lots of needy guests who run you ragged for low tips. Rushes near the end of my shift before the second shift arrives. Being stuck for over an hour after my scheduled out time to do side work.
The day before this incident took place, I worked a twelve-hour shift to help cover a call-off. Then I was back at work at 8 AM the next day, when this took place.
My first table they were initially going to be a six-seater, which is great because we put 20% auto gratuity on them, but only five showed, so no auto gratuity.
Service went very well, and the table were friendly people. I had a feeling this table would be a good start to my day and hopefully turn around this frustrating week. They had run up a $160 check, which is high for breakfast; I was excited.
The (presumably) grandfather asks for the check, I run his card, drop the check, wish them well, and send them on their way.
A few minutes later, I see them walk out of the restaurant, but I’m mid-delivering drinks and just got seated. Within about three minutes, I’m able to go to the table to pick up the signed receipt. BUT IT IS NOWHERE TO BE FOUND.
The check presenter is sitting there with the customer copy, and there’s no cash on the table. Being 99% sure the grandfather accidentally took the signed copy, I immediately full-on sprinted out of the restaurant and booked it to the elevator downstairs. But I couldn’t find them in the lobby or down the hall right away, so I had to go back.
At this point, tears are welling, and I’m doing my best to hold it together until I can get back of house.
When I got back all of the BS from this week hit me, and that receipt was my final straw. I was very visibly upset, and my amazing coworkers came to help me right away. The other server gave me a hug and checked on my tables.
I went to the bathroom to splash some water on my face and gather myself. I was better after five minutes, but still very upset that I lost out on $30 because of something so stupid, and that my day had such a sour start again.
I continued about my day, although frustrated and somewhat frazzled.
A few hours later, near the end of the chaos, one of the food and beverage managers is making rounds on the venues and stops in mine. I tell him what happened, and he asks to see the check.
I still had the check presenter saved sitting near the POS, exactly how it was on the table. He moved the check side to side in the light and saw the pen impressions of the tip and signature. He told me it’s good enough for me to get the tip and that they left me $40. I was so happy that I literally started crying tears of joy. I was very thankful for my manager and coworkers!
