I’m embarking on a 30 day journey of blogging.
This is Day 2.
If you’d like some background on this, read my post from Day 1.
I’m not sure if you’ve seen the classic scene at the beginning of Tarantino’s “Reservoir Dogs” where the group of leads are arguing over the merits of tipping your server. Here’s the scene if you’ve missed it. (There’s a fair amount of vulgar and offensive language).
I’ve always tipped and, more often than not, well above 20%.
It’s not because I’m wealthy.
It’s because I’m grateful.
You may share the views of Mr. Pink in the video. Perhaps you don’t tip or you rarely tip unless you feel the server has truly gone above and beyond.
I think this video carried some weight to it in a world that pre-existed the COVID pandemic.
The fact is, the food and beverage industry was a disaster in 2020 and, many dining establishments didn’t survive into 2021.
There are many today who feel that we’re still feeling the effects of people who don’t want to work, don’t want to interview for jobs, don’t want to stay at the jobs they’re hired for, etc.
So, when I go to a restaurant now (and I normally dine out for lunch during my work week), I try to be mindful that the person waiting my table may be the best option that establishment has.
Maybe they’re a great server, maybe they’re not.
I’m going to tip them well either way because I’m grateful they showed up.
I’m grateful they clocked in.
I’m grateful they got my food order right.
I’m grateful that particular restaurant survived the last few years.
I don’t go to restaurants to complain or to get my meal comped for me.
Recently, my wife and I stopped at a bar for a drink. We had a voucher with us that allowed us some points on an account if we spent above a certain amount at the bar. We actually came in a few dollars short. I told the bartender we had the voucher, fully expecting that he wouldn’t sign off on it because we didn’t meet the minimum.
I was wrong.
He signed off and and I thanked him for what he did (he certainly wasn’t obligated).
I also tipped him a considerable amount against the actual total on the bill.
In short, be nice to your server.
Rather, just be nice, in general.
And if you’re the type of person who dines out just to nitpick your meal so you can get a discount or a waive of the cost, perhaps you should just stay home.
There’s enough ugliness in the world without that behavior adding to it.
(Photo courtesy of Jessie McCall)
