The old saying goes, “There’s only one chance to make a good first impression.” It’s a principle that applies to many aspects of life, including customer service. For a server in Los Angeles, a seemingly uneventful evening took an unexpected turn when a group of teenagers, initially oblivious to tip etiquette, made remarkable amends.
The staff took great care to ensure that the teenagers’ dining experience was exceptional. He went above and beyond to make their evening memorable and provided attentive service that exemplified the dedication of people in hospitality. However, when he finally received the bill and discovered the meager $3.28 tip left behind, disappointment and frustration erupted.
Nothing is more infuriating than receiving little or no tip from a customer who smiles and thanks me excessively as they leave. But suddenly something completely unexpected happened!
About a week and a half later, he received a letter that said, “On October 7th, my three friends and I came to this restaurant as our own homecoming celebration. Being here alone and seeing everything for the first time was exciting for us.”
And you gave us the best possible service. You were considerate, accommodating, and polite. You treated us like babies and even adjusted the menu to accommodate all my food sensitivities! I wanted to express my gratitude for making our “growing up” experience so wonderful and enjoyable.
Additionally, I want to apologize on behalf of our group. Our 13-year-old brains didn’t know exactly how to handle the account because we weren’t familiar with everything. You did a great job splitting the check and accepting our less-than-preferred cash.
Even though the cost was modest, we completely forgot what a tip was and didn’t know how much to leave. After emptying our pockets, we found that we had a total of $3.28.
“We went without realizing how little it really was and without knowing what we gave you in return for all your hard work.
We discovered our mistake later and felt AWFUL. We knew we had to fix it.
In this envelope, you’ll find the requisite 18% tip, along with the added bonus of being totally awesome. Thank you for making our night enjoyable and for your help and patience. I’m grateful.
The total was about $100, so the $3.28 tip is less than 4% of that. Fortunately, the teenagers realized their mistake and took the right steps.
The waiter shared a photo of the letter online and some encouraging words:
“I’ve been serving for a very long time and neither I nor anyone else has ever experienced anything like this. I’m not sure how you became familiar with tipping, but I sincerely appreciate your efforts and generosity. I hope you return home.” it was amazing.
The story of these teenagers serves as a reminder that people, even the young, have the ability to reflect on their actions and take steps to correct mistakes. It’s a testament to the power of empathy and the lasting impact of exceptional service. The server’s dedication to his craft not only made the teenagers’ night special but also inspired them to rise to the occasion and make things right.
At a time when service workers often face challenges and uncertainties, this heartwarming story underscores the importance of recognizing and appreciating their efforts. It serves as a reminder that kindness, responsibility, and a willingness to make amends can create moments of connection and positivity that leave a lasting impression on all involved.
In the end, the experience of this diligent waiter exceeds the monetary value of the tip. It is a story of growth, maturity, and the ability of individuals to acknowledge their mistakes and take meaningful steps to correct them. It’s a testament to the lasting impact of exceptional service and the potential for positive change, even in unexpected places.
People don’t always go the extra mile to make things right, but when they do it can make all the difference in the world and this diligent waiter definitely deserved it!