A Group of Teens Tipped Their Waiter Just $3.28 — Days Later, He Received a Note That Changed Everything

A waiter in Los Angeles was on duty when four teenagers came into the restaurant. They were on their way to their homecoming dance and were dining alone at a fancy restaurant for the first time. The waiter made an effort to ensure they had a positive experience. Despite this, the teens left him with a very small tip of just $3.28 at the end of their meal.

Despite his frustration, the waiter chose to let go and put the night behind him. However, ten days later, he received a letter from the teenagers. The letter expressed gratitude for his service, included an apology, and came with a proper tip.

“Please accept our group’s apology”

Although this incident happened in 2018, the letter reflected the teenagers’ thoughtfulness and maturity. It also highlighted the significance of leaving a proper tip for waitstaff. Here’s what the letter said:

About a week and a half ago, on October 7, my three friends and I came to this restaurant to celebrate our homecoming. It was an exciting and entirely new experience for us to be dining out alone. You were the best waiter we could have hoped for—kind, helpful, accommodating, and you didn’t treat us like kids. You even managed to adjust the food for all my allergies! So, thank you for making our “grown-up” experience so wonderful and fun.

I also want to apologize on behalf of my group. Since we were unfamiliar with this kind of dining, our 14-year-old minds didn’t quite know how to handle the bill. You were very helpful in splitting the check and accepting our limited cash. Although the bill was fair, we completely forgot (and honestly didn’t understand) what a tip was or how much to give.

We pooled all the money we had, which came to $3.28. Not realizing how small that amount was, we left without knowing what we had left you for all your hard work. Later, we understood our mistake and felt terrible. We knew we had to make it right.

So inside this envelope, you’ll find the proper 18% tip plus an extra amount for simply being amazing. We appreciate your patience and support, and thank you for making our night so enjoyable. Thank you! — The four teenagers from that night

Dear Kind Server,

“I’ve been serving for many years,” the waiter said when he shared photos of the letter on Imgur. “Nothing like this has ever happened to me or anyone I know. I’m not sure how you learned about tipping, but I truly appreciate your thoughtfulness and effort. I hope your homecoming was amazing.”

How to show appreciation through tipping

Tipping customs at restaurants vary by culture and the nature of the service industry. In the United States, tipping is widely practiced. Although not legally mandatory, leaving a poor or no tip is generally seen as rude or unethical. This is because restaurants are legally allowed to pay their staff less than the minimum wage, relying on tips to make up the difference. As a result, tips can account for more than 60% of a server’s total income. It’s also important to remember that servers often share their tips with other employees such as cooks and bussers, who do not receive direct tips from customers.

In general, the amount you tip should reflect the quality of service: about 15% for average service and 20% for exceptional service. If the service is unsatisfactory, it’s better to address the issue with a manager rather than leaving no tip. Keep in mind that tips often benefit more staff members than just the server.