However, as servers are often underpaid, tipping has become a widely debated issue. Despite this, a little kindness still goes a long way, especially in tough times. Unfortunately, what appeared to be a generous act has now led to a restaurant suing a customer who left a large tip.
In Scranton, Pennsylvania, a restaurant is taking legal action against a customer after he left a $3,000 tip on a $13 bill, only for it to be discovered as fraudulent. Alfredo’s Pizza server, Mariana Lambert, initially responded to the tip by saying, “It really meant a lot to me because everyone’s going through stuff. It really touched my heart.” The restaurant believed the act of kindness was part of an Instagram movement, but later found out it was a hoax.
Generosity is on the Rise
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A movement called “Tips for Jesus” started in 2014, encouraging acts of generosity. Despite its name, the movement isn’t tied to any religion; it’s simply about spreading kindness. The origins of this trend are still unclear, but the idea is that diners leave exceptionally large tips, sometimes hundreds of times more than the usual 20% for good service. This has led to some servers receiving several hundred to a few thousand dollars on bills as low as $50.
The person behind this movement has chosen to remain anonymous but has shared, “The movement we started is meant to be agnostic.” He mentioned that while he doesn’t recall the exact moment the movement began, it started at a college football game in Michigan. He added that he’s been fortunate and has always been a generous tipper.
Many believe restaurant owners should pay their employees livable wages, which is a valid point. However, the profit margins for many restaurants are incredibly slim, and even owners are struggling. In many European countries, tipping isn’t customary, yet workers still earn livable wages. Perhaps there’s something the U.S. could learn from this. Meanwhile, people like the anonymous generous “agnostic” continue to spread joy by participating in this movement.
Unfortunately, not all acts of generosity end well, as seen in the case of Alfredo’s Pizza, where the restaurant and its employees became victims of a cruel prank.
Alfredo’s Vice President Leslie Minicozzi Galacci revealed, “We received notice 45 days after he dined in our establishment.”
“We had already paid Mari the $3,000 by a company check, so now we, as the owners, are stuck with the loss.” The customer had disputed the charge with his credit card company, and despite attempts to contact him, the restaurant received no response. Consequently, Alfredo’s Pizza decided to file charges at Magistrate Joanne Price Corbett’s Office in Lackawanna County.
Zachary Jacobson, the manager of Alfredo’s Pizza, spoke to the local news station, stating, “We thought somebody was actually trying to do a good thing. And now, here we are, not even three months later, and there’s nothing to show for it.” He explained.
While this is a discouraging story, there are still many examples of kindness circulating online. Celebrities like Johnny Depp and Paris Hilton have been known to leave substantial tips. The popular Instagram trend has also placed hundreds of dollars into the hands of servers across the U.S. For instance, in Nebraska, a man left a $2,000 tip on a $5 bill at a bakery in 2021. Another waitress in Rhode Island received an $810 tip on a $48 bill.
Kindness Isn’t Just About Money
Many people wish they could repay the kindness they’ve received by making generous contributions to others. However, not everyone can afford to leave thousands or even hundreds of dollars for excellent service. Thankfully, there are numerous ways to show kindness and gratitude:
– Hold the door open for someone.
– Offer to help a neighbor carry packages up to their apartment.
– Pay down school lunch debt.
– Donate old towels, pillows, and blankets to local pet shelters.
– Respect others’ time.
– Use good manners and common courtesy.
– Let someone go ahead of you in line if you’re not in a hurry.
– Pay for a meal or coffee for a veteran or first responder.
– Be encouraging and supportive. Give compliments.
– Smile, make eye contact, and engage with servers and cashiers.
Acts of Kindness to Do with Kids:
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– Create holiday cards or crafts for local retirement homes.
– Bake treats for neighbors or local animal shelters.
– Donate toys to other children.
– Take responsibility for mistakes.
It’s unclear why Smith chose to leave the fake tip or if the restaurant has made any progress in their case. Perhaps Smith wanted the photo for his Instagram account or simply couldn’t afford to be so generous. Regardless, many generous individuals continue to make a positive impact, and hopefully, Alfredo’s Pizza will find some resolution.
