After racking up a $112 bill at a New Jersey restaurant, a group of eight people is said to have refused to leave a tip for their waitress. Instead, she says they left her a smug message: “LOL.”
Jess Jones -- who, according to the Asbury Park Press, is a 20-year-old Rutgers University student and waitress at D’Jais Bar & Grill in Belmar -- shared her experience with the rude diners in a Facebook post last week.
“I was stunned by this receipt that was left for me by a party of eight people,” she wrote in a caption accompanying a photo of the $112.03 bill. “I would have preferred a ‘$0’ tip than a ‘LOL’ tip, but as a waitress, bad tips and harsh notes are all part of the job.”
According to Jones, the diners did have to wait for an hour to get their food. However, she said the group “remained satisfied with filled drinks and proper notice that the kitchen was a bit busier than normal.”
“I’ve worked in the service industry for five years and I take pride in providing great service to my customers,” she added.
In her Facebook post, which has gone viral this week, Jones asked restaurant patrons to be more mindful and compassionate when they tip service staff.
She wrote:
“We make $2.50 an hour. Most of my paychecks are less than pocket change because I have to pay taxes on the tips I make. I need tips to pay my bills. All waiters do. We spend an hour or more of our time befriending you, making you laugh, getting to know you, and making your dining experience the best it can be. We work hard, and we really do care ... My experience with this table was cruel and unnecessary but sadly it's not uncommon. With that said: Please be good to your waiters.”
Many netizens have since expressed outrage at the diners’ behavior, and have offered words of encouragement to Jones.
Belmar’s Mayor Matt Doherty also added his voice to the conversation, writing on Facebook: "If you visit Belmar please treat the hardworking men and women in our service industry with the same respect you would expect at your job. This is ridiculous.”
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