Applebee's Waitress Canned After Posting Pastor's Receipt

[DSNYFAM6]

There is no way the pastor left a cash tip and if she did wouldn't you assume after that note it would have been 10% or less? For her to say she left the 18% in cash after leaving that note is just insulting our intelligence.

 

[Jedana]

for those who are confused about the server pay rules:

http://www.dol.gov/whd/state/tipped.htm


Being a server is tough. You always have to be "on". You work many hours without breaks, because someone else called in or the restaurant is busy. Your wage depends on someone else's perception of your skills.

you share part of your salary with people that make more money than you hourly (cooks/bussers/bartenders) because that is how you get the food faster and hotter, the drinks stronger and quicker and the tables cleaned faster...so you can start another group of people quicker.

My idea of great service is highly different than that of my spouse, simply because I have worked in the industry for over 20 years. He worked fast food (to support himself while in college). I have worked everything from fast food to quick casual to casual to sports bars; from busser to line cook to server to general manager. I really wish it was mandatory that everyone work in a retail or food position for 3 months of their lives---maybe then people would see how tough a job these people have.

Before someone says "should go to college and get a better job"...well, some people cannot function in the school atmostphere; some people have gone to college and discovered their talents lie elsewhere; and there are some like me, who chose to go this route and raise their family. For those of you who think you are "better" than the person ringing up your groceries or shoes or bringing you drinks, just remember..if they weren't there, who would do those things for you? The world needs ditch diggers as much as it needs scientists.

 

[scoutie]

Also, based on what we see in food prices in other countries that don't tips

What countries are you talking about? The majority of countries I've been to have tipping cultures. My guess is that you're talking about France, where tips aren't expected. In France, the price of the server's wage is reflected in the food prices, and in addition, a "service" charge is added. If you've eaten in Paris, you know how expensive it is. French servers also are very respected, and do not get treated like service workers do in America. In addition, you can't really compare the cost of running a restaurant in America to other countries. American restaurant owners have many additional costs (worker's comp insurance for one) that other countries don't necessarily have.

My point here is, servers need to realize that they do need to earn their tips, not just expect them automatically

I don't think anybody is arguing that, and to be fair, that was not your original point. Your original point was that the server should not expect more than God, that he/she shouldn't get more than 10%, and that we should get rid of tipping.

 

[geraghty]

Amen

 

[esk]

Actually, most of Europe is non-tipping in food establishments. Unless Americans come to eat, then they expect a tip because they know that's our culture. I lived there 9 years --- what you do instead is round up...if the bill is 33 euro, you leave 35 euro or if it's 8.80 euro you leave 10. But you don't have to, it's a custom. Nowhere near 15% or 10% or anything like what we have.

Back when I waitressed, it was $2.52 an hour, plus tips and you split them with the bussers and everyone else. I waitressed at a Shoney's (like an IHOP) and as the newest waitress, I got the front of the house, which was the worst section. I would get grumpy older folks that would come in and drink coffee in a booth for hours on end.... and coffee at the time was 50cents with free refills. So I never got a tip there but had to keep "top it off, honey" and "freshen it up a little" or "can I get a warm up"? Waitressing is hard work and even worse when it's for $2.52 an hour. I soon got a better job....more on the scale of Appelbees but not a chain....so my tips got better but it was still $2.52 an hour. I made more babysitting.

As to "people should go to college then", well, I was going to college. That job paid for text book and lab fees and gas. Waiting tables is a job that I think everyone in life should do, so they have some empathy for those that do it now.

That said, because I waited tables, I know bad service within the server's control and bad service that is the kitchen's fault and I tip accordingly.

In this case, why did the Pastor need to identify herself on her receipt? I don't write Teacher or Lawyer or Police Officer or HR Manager on mine. Yes, I know, she was making a point, but I think she was also trying to elevate herself above the waitress and show why she shouldn't have to pay a tip. Because she's a Pastor. Does she pay her doctor's office? Does she pay her grocery store? Does she pay her plumber, or does she write "I'm a Pastor, you don't deserve $50 for snaking my drain" on those receipts too?

 

[Planogirl]

I do agree that it would be nice if American servers could be paid a living wage. We should expect restaurant prices to go up considerably if that happens though.

It's so easy to say "go to college." Not everyone is cut out for college for a variety of reasons. Plus I listened to a news report the other day that the number of college graduates working in restaurants and as customer service reps and so on is increasing. It can take a while to find a job in your field, that is if you ever do....

 

[bunkkinsmom]

California must be COMPLETELY different. I worked in restaurants all up and down the east coast for the last 25 years. Servers made $2.13 (or half minimum wage) plus tips. You were taxed on 8% of your SALES, not what you made. So if someone tipped less than 8%, then it costs you money to wait on them. No to mention, if your credit card tips were more than 8%, then you were taxed on THAT total.

Having been a GM and Multi Unit District Manager for the end of my restaurant career, I can also tell you that the profit margin in restaurants would go into the toilet if you raised servers wages. There are too many restaurants closing as it is. Servers account for most of the maintenance and cleanliness of everything with the exception of the actual line in the kitchen. Expo area, coolers, dry storage..... all of those areas are cleaned by the servers as part of their "side work" in most cases. It's much easier for a company to pay a server at their wage to do those tasks than to pay a $12-$20 an hour cook to do so. Plus, with multiple servers, you can assign more than one to each task and they get completed faster.

To state that 10% is fair, or that it was normal in California until recently, just blows me away. That has not been my experience at all. I'm not saying it's not true, just completely contrary to my 25 years of experience. I was a Corporate Trainer and New Store Opener for Chi Chi's, O'Charley's and TGIFridays for the majority of my career and worked from Boston to Orlando. Never heard of 10% standard.

 

[Buckalew11]

I think the pastor was confused. She's giving 10% of her income to the church (which, of course, can use it how they want I suppose and I'd bet hers does not use their money well) but she's not giving 10% of her income or 18% of her income to the waiter/waitress--so she is definitely confused and thought she was being clever.

This has *hurt* her? Good. If this is how she thinks then she deserves the heartache SHE HAS CAUSED HERSELF.

With her "attitude", I'm wondering if she even tithes to God or she tells him that "I'm working for you so give me all ya got!!" Yikes.

 

[nathalee81]

Sigh...people never cease to amaze me.

This woman claims to be a Christian and then leaves a note like this? What was the point? Because she was upset about the gratuity automatically added to her check? If she truly had a problem, she should have asked to speak with the manager-not leave an ignorant, self righteous message to the poor server that makes below minimum wage.

And, now she has gotten the server fired, but we are supposed to show forgiveness to her for her behavior? Where is the forgiveness she is supposed to show to the server?

oh, and don't believe for one second she left any cash on the table. So, she is a liar, too.

What a winner.

I don't think she should go out to dinner ANYWHERE for a long, long time unless she wants little extras added to her meal...

 

[ImAllEars]

Actually, most of Europe is non-tipping in food establishments. Unless Americans come to eat, then they expect a tip because they know that's our culture. I lived there 9 years --- what you do instead is round up...if the bill is 33 euro, you leave 35 euro or if it's 8.80 euro you leave 10. But you don't have to, it's a custom. Nowhere near 15% or 10% or anything like what we have.

Back when I waitressed, it was $2.52 an hour, plus tips and you split them with the bussers and everyone else. I waitressed at a Shoney's (like an IHOP) and as the newest waitress, I got the front of the house, which was the worst section. I would get grumpy older folks that would come in and drink coffee in a booth for hours on end.... and coffee at the time was 50cents with free refills. So I never got a tip there but had to keep "top it off, honey" and "freshen it up a little" or "can I get a warm up"? Waitressing is hard work and even worse when it's for $2.52 an hour. I soon got a better job....more on the scale of Appelbees but not a chain....so my tips got better but it was still $2.52 an hour. I made more babysitting.

As to "people should go to college then", well, I was going to college. That job paid for text book and lab fees and gas. Waiting tables is a job that I think everyone in life should do, so they have some empathy for those that do it now.

That said, because I waited tables, I know bad service within the server's control and bad service that is the kitchen's fault and I tip accordingly.

In this case, why did the Pastor need to identify herself on her receipt? I don't write Teacher or Lawyer or Police Officer or HR Manager on mine. Yes, I know, she was making a point, but I think she was also trying to elevate herself above the waitress and show why she shouldn't have to pay a tip. Because she's a Pastor. Does she pay her doctor's office? Does she pay her grocery store? Does she pay her plumber, or does she write "I'm a Pastor, you don't deserve $50 for snaking my drain" on those receipts too?

As a European, i agree with this poster. It is most certainly not generally the culture here to tip at the end of a meal.. You can of course if you wish to , but it is by no means looked for or expected and you will not be made to feel uncomfortable if you don't. I understand it is very much a part of American culture and i respect that, but it is not part of Europe's generally.

 

[ford family]

As a European, i agree with this poster. It is most certainly not generally the culture here to tip at the end of a meal.. You can of course if you wish to , but it is by no means looked for or expected and you will not be made to feel uncomfortable if you don't. I understand it is very much a part of American culture and i respect that, but it is not part of Europe's generally.

Not sure whereabouts in Europe you are but I would disagree with your comment.
In most of Europe there is either a service charge of 10% or more or there is an expectation of a tip in that amount. In the last year alone we have been in the UK, obviously, but also France, Spain, Gibraltar, Italy, Croatia, Greece and Turkey.
Very few places in Europe do not expect a tip. The only places that we have been to recently where tipping was not expected are Australia, China and Japan.

ford family

 

[mfd25wife]

Actually, most of Europe is non-tipping in food establishments. Unless Americans come to eat, then they expect a tip because they know that's our culture. I lived there 9 years --- what you do instead is round up...if the bill is 33 euro, you leave 35 euro or if it's 8.80 euro you leave 10. But you don't have to, it's a custom. Nowhere near 15% or 10% or anything like what we have.

Back when I waitressed, it was $2.52 an hour, plus tips and you split them with the bussers and everyone else. I waitressed at a Shoney's (like an IHOP) and as the newest waitress, I got the front of the house, which was the worst section. I would get grumpy older folks that would come in and drink coffee in a booth for hours on end.... and coffee at the time was 50cents with free refills. So I never got a tip there but had to keep "top it off, honey" and "freshen it up a little" or "can I get a warm up"? Waitressing is hard work and even worse when it's for $2.52 an hour. I soon got a better job....more on the scale of Appelbees but not a chain....so my tips got better but it was still $2.52 an hour. I made more babysitting.

As to "people should go to college then", well, I was going to college. That job paid for text book and lab fees and gas. Waiting tables is a job that I think everyone in life should do, so they have some empathy for those that do it now.

That said, because I waited tables, I know bad service within the server's control and bad service that is the kitchen's fault and I tip accordingly.

In this case, why did the Pastor need to identify herself on her receipt? I don't write Teacher or Lawyer or Police Officer or HR Manager on mine. Yes, I know, she was making a point, but I think she was also trying to elevate herself above the waitress and show why she shouldn't have to pay a tip. Because she's a Pastor. Does she pay her doctor's office? Does she pay her grocery store? Does she pay her plumber, or does she write "I'm a Pastor, you don't deserve $50 for snaking my drain" on those receipts too?

The servers at the Shoneys where I worked did NOT share tips with anyone. As a hostess, I made more than minimum when I started and earned increases along the way. Yes, we were expected to help fill drinks, roll silverware, carry food, etc. if we were caught up. I didn't mind and didn't expect a part of the tip. It kept me from being bored if I had everyone seated. Busboys made minimum. Cooks made more. The servers were taxed on their total wage plus tips. However, the IRS required 8% so they ran their sales totals and that's what they turned in, which was almost always more than 8%. The coffee was only $.50/cup because when they sold the first cup, the rest of the pot was profit per management where we where. We had regulars, also but we kind of enjoyed most of them. We would joke with them that they were there to solve that day's world problems. They were usually the easy ones. We only had a few that were consistently grumpy. We had a regular who couldn't always get out of her car. When we saw her car from the hostess stand, we would go talk to her (precell phone days) and she would tell us what she wanted that day and we would get it, take it to her, and take her money. She tipped at times, but not always. It didn't bother us. It was just taking care of a regular customer who at times didn't have the strength to get in and out of her car to walk around the salad bar. I believe she said she had MS. No, it was not part of our normal duties but seemed the right thing to do for a regular. And, on bad days, she could definitely be grumpy.

 

[Granny square]

Esk, I agree. Everyone should have to wait tables. My tips paid my way through though.

I'd love people to understand waitstaff rules. If you take 3 hours of table time with your dessert and coffee, my son doesn't get extra tables to compensate. So your $2 tip is all that he will see for about 1/3 of his tips per evening. And if you come in at ten til close be can't go home until you are done.

 

[NHdisneylover]

What countries are you talking about? The majority of countries I've been to have tipping cultures. My guess is that you're talking about France, where tips aren't expected. In France, the price of the server's wage is reflected in the food prices, and in addition, a "service" charge is added. If you've eaten in Paris, you know how expensive it is. French servers also are very respected, and do not get treated like service workers do in America. In addition, you can't really compare the cost of running a restaurant in America to other countries. American restaurant owners have many additional costs (worker's comp insurance for one) that other countries don't necessarily have.

I don't think anybody is arguing that, and to be fair, that was not your original point. Your original point was that the server should not expect more than God, that he/she shouldn't get more than 10%, and that we should get rid of tipping.

Paris is expensive, because it's PARIS. Hotels are expensive, tours are expensive and so are many restaurants (though my son and I ate at a nice sit down place with linen tablecloths about a 10 minute walk from the Eiffel tower, we both had entrees, dessert and a drink,both had GOOD food, the total bill was 25 Euro for the two--12.50 Euro each, which I think is pretty reasonable). Leave the mega tourist city and get out into the rest of France and there are plenty of reasonable places to eat (and some not so reasonably ).

Here in Germany, our local Italian place is a little on the formal side. It has linen cloths and napkins and fresh flowers at every table. Our family of four (the kids are teens and not eating kids' meals ) generally spends about 35 Euro for dinner with bruchetta appetizer to share, entrees all around, soda or wine for each and amaretto for the adults after dinner. I think I would spend more than that for a crappy Olive Garden meal in the US and pay a tip on top of it (BTW--we do tip here, a small tip is customary, but it is not 20%and the servers do make a living wage without it).

Most anywhere I have been in Europe (Germany, France, Czech, Spain, Italy mostly) we can find plenty of very good places to eat for reasonable prices--but then we are not going to the tourist draws when we go out looking for decent prices

 

[ceemys]

This statement and the previous one really bothers me. Not that you said it, but that you had those experiences. I know I am just speaking for myself and those I run with, but please know that the 'church crowd' doesn't always act like that. My mom was once a waitress and I understand the importance tips represent. Jesus would never act in such a manner, and there are many Christians who do treat servers with respect and who do tip.

I agree. We go to eat after church. Not everyone is rude and I always leave a 20% tip. That is my standard. If the server is horrible and not helpful at all, then I give 15%.

 

[luvmy3]

Sigh...people never cease to amaze me.


And, now she has gotten the server fired, but we are supposed to show forgiveness to her for her behavior? Where is the forgiveness she is supposed to show to the server?



What a winner.

Funny I had those (non bolded) thoughts about the server who posted the receipt.
Sure the Pastor is a jerk, but that server got themself fired because of their own actions.

 

[nathalee81]

Funny I had those (non bolded) thoughts about the server who posted the receipt.
Sure the Pastor is a jerk, but that server got themself fired because of their own actions.

And, the pastor is now embarrassed and ridiculed because of HER actions.

This all could have been avoided had the woman actually acted like a human being, but she was a complete and total jerk and I think getting called out on the web was, in my opinion, the risk she took when she wrote that message on the receipt.

My father always told me-never put anything down on paper (and, I guess this now applies to all electronic media) that you wouldn't want the whole world to see...guess no one told that to this woman...

 

[luvmy3]

And, the pastor is now embarrassed and ridiculed because of HER actions.

This all could have been avoided had the woman actually acted like a human being, but she was a complete and total jerk and I think getting called out on the web was, in my opinion, the risk she took when she wrote that message on the receipt.

My father always told me-never put anything down on paper (and, I guess this now applies to all electronic media) that you wouldn't want the whole world to see...guess no one told that to this woman...

Again, I wont disagree but that is not the same as saying "she got that waitress fired". The waitress got herself fired because she just had to point out what a jerk the Pastor was on the internet. Just because one can do something, doesn't mean they can do it without consequences. She was acting as an employee of Applebees and good for them for not tolerating their employees posting that info on the internet.

 

[Granny square]

Again, I wont disagree but that is not the same as saying "she got that waitress fired". The waitress got herself fired because she just had to point out what a jerk the Pastor was on the internet. Just because one can do something, doesn't mean they can do it without consequences. She was acting as an employee of Applebees and good for them for not tolerating their employees posting that info on the internet.

True. Just like a child who hits another kid for calling names. The name caller started it but that doesn't mean the hitter gets off free.

The waitresses choice caused her to be fired. As I stated earlier my son at Olive Garden would have been fired in a heart beat.

 

[foreUT]

Why do people always try to justify bad behavior, which is what I think that comment was meant to do? If you don't want to pay, don't go to a restaurant where tipping is part of the cost.

Of course, it could be worse, based on this behavior at another Illinois restaurant:

A woman was charged with two felonies after she threw a drink in the face of a Red Lobster waitress because she brought out the wrong meals.
Ania D Wilkes, 20, of Ferguson, Missouri, was arrested after an incident late last year where police say the woman and three others punched and pushed their server when the wrong orders came to their table.
The server at the Fairview Heights, Illinois restaurant suffered a swollen eye and cuts to her nose and forehead.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...k-face-brought-wrong-meals.html#axzz2Jsk4JSBi