A Request
Even though she is aware that the job she has was not the most honorable, she was still in shock when she saw an officer approaching her together with the man she had sent away. She panicked and had a rapid heartbeat. The officer slapped his hand on her desk and leaned over it. He made a request that surprised her.
A Request
It’s My Job
Alicia Danielle, employed in a pawnshop downtown, thought that she experienced everything. When it comes to money, she knew about people’s greediness and desperation. She started to count the bills from a big sale and saw from people’s eyes the desire for a huge amount of money. She experienced different situations at work, and a painful one was to see a mother who wanted to pawn the family’s heirloom. She toughened her heart and tried to be still. Without a job, she could not imagine how to survive her life.
It’s My Job
Odd Cross-Sections Of People
Alicia is employed for a long time in a pawnshop which had attracted odd cross-sections of customers from different places. She was familiar with it that she could even tell the intention of each customer by merely looking in the face. She also categorized them in two – the down-and-out and the vulture who wants to have a great deal. But the officer was way different.
Odd Cross-Sections Of People
Veteran
Alicia was working in a small town that she became familiar with her customers and knew how to handle each. With her experience, she identified those customers who would bargain and those who would pay without any questions in mind. However, there was a new customer which she kept an eye for because of its odd movement.
Veteran
An Odd Customer
Alicia was in the cash register and started to observe the actions of the customer. She was triggered when she saw the person approach the back part of the shop. She began to panic and immediately pushed the emergency button under the counter for some police. However, it did not calm herself because she knew that something bad would happen if the police wouldn’t arrive immediately. She hoped that it would end before it was too late. Unexpectedly, the police officer supported the odd customer.
An Odd Customer
She Was Distracted
While watching the monitor, Alicia saw that the customer went to a place that the camera could not reach. She was cautious because of the customer’s long coat, and his hands were on the pockets. Alicia was distracted and cannot focus on observing the odd behaviour of the guy because of other customers. There was a sudden form of line with irritated people.
She Was Distracted
A Suspicious Man
It was Alicia’s busiest day in life multitasking – observing the suspicious man and serving the customers in line. While assisting the customers on queue, she cannot stop watching the man from the monitor because it keeps on roaming around the shop. She noticed the man, who was behind the long line, would negotiate for an accessory.
A Suspicious Man
Wrong Assumptions
During lunchtime, many customers had finished their transactions and left the shop. The suspicious man came into the counter, and Alicia felt relieved that the man would bargain something in the pawnshop. She assumed that it would be a smooth transaction unlike the others where the man would only get the item, process the payment, and eventually leave the shop, but her assumptions are wrong.
Wrong Assumptions
Something Was Off
The suspicious man placed the pair of pre-owned shoes that he wanted to purchase. Alicia gathered all the items and informed the customer the cost of it. After the bargain, he handed her a credit card for the payment. The man began to act suspiciously that caught Alicia’s attention again.
Something Was Off
A Moment Of Truth
Alicia began to notice that the man was feeling nervous. At this time, she knew that something off was happening. The man inputted his PIN, bit his lip to muster his courage, crossed his finger, hoping to be successful in his plan. He was very prepared with his idea and was hoping for good luck. This was where Alicia’s nightmare started.
A Moment Of Truth
The Card Was Declined
The man tried to calm himself when he was holding his breath because he knew what would happen next. The man became upset and angry, knowing the system declined his card. Alicia asked for an alternative way of paying the items. Then the strange interactions between the two began.
The Card Was Declined
He Was Angry
The suspicious man honestly told Alicia that he had no cash nor other cards that can be used to pay for the item. She gently asked the man to return the shoes from its place, and the man followed her immediately. Alicia knows that the man was upset because of the way it left the store. She felt sorry but could not do anything to give the pair of shoes to the man. However, she did not know that the man would come back with someone else.
He Was Angry
A Police Officer
Many customers are bargaining in the shop, which made Alicia very busy that she could not even recall the incident with the suspicious man. However, she was in great shock when she saw that the officer accompanied the man. She already knew that she was in big trouble.
A Police Officer
Talk In Private
Alicia tried not to be distracted by the man and the officer that were at the back of the customers and focused on serving the long queue at the counter. Unfortunately, it didn’t work. She asked herself if they wanted to talk privately.
Talk In Private
Left Alone
Alicia was almost done with all the transactions and she panicked because of the odd man and the officer who is waiting. After all the customers, she was the only one left in the store together with the two men. She knew that she would be able to handle every situation in the shop, even the terrible one.
Left Alone
She Felt Terrified
Alicia felt terrified when the officer approached her at the counter. She observed both the cop and the odd man to know what was going on. She asked them if they need help or if everything is okay. That’s the time when the intimidating man hit the counter and leaned.
She Felt Terrified
Her First Time
“No problem, but if the shoes are still available, I would purchase them”, said the officer. With all Alicia’s experience, this was the first time this incident happened. She tried to look for someone who could be the witness of the scenario. Unfortunately, there’s none. She knew that she was the only one who could help herself in this kind of situation.
Her First Time
Full Of Holes And Tattered
Alicia observed the man, and she noticed that his shoes were full of holes and tattered. She became relaxed when she knew that the intention of the officer was not ill-intended. He accompanied the man to buy him a replacement. But, why did the officer wait for the people to leave the store?
Full Of Holes And Tattered
A Genuine Help
The officer waited for the last customer to leave the store because he doesn’t want to make a scene. Alicia did understand that they don’t want any attention on any part of the media. The officer genuinely wanted to extend help for the man. That’s the time when she decided to take part in the situation.
A Genuine Help
She Was Inspired
Alicia wants to help the poor man so that he insisted on paying half the amount of the brand-new shoes. The officer’s good intention really inspired her. She understands that man needs some comfortable shoes to wear to warm him. She knew that many people were experiencing this kind of situation. In fact, there was also a story about Ashley Latella.
She Was Inspired
Unpaid Bills
Ashley was uncertain by an unpaid bill from a group of three men. The customers gestured to go with them at the back of the room. She was confused about what’s happening and looked for rescue from her coworkers, but she failed. She was worried, and at this time, she knew that something terrible would happen.
Unpaid Bills
Busiest Days Of The Year
Ashley was employed at the Seagrape Café in Fairfield, Connecticut. It was the December holiday season, and she’s working the night shift when a group of men came into the store. It was the busiest time- too many diners at the bar areas and rushing every table to take orders, that’s why she was having a hard time to keep up with her duties.
Busiest Days Of The Year
Another Busy Day
Students were enjoying, cheering and yelling in the café while ordering their first round. In the corner of her eyes, she noticed a group of three men reaching the corner part of the café to have a sit. Also, Carlos Carmo, her manager, saw them. He knew instantly that this group of people had no business in the shop; that’s why he keeps an eye on them. However, because of a busy day in the café, he prioritized his duties.
Another Busy Day
Uncomfortable
Ashley rushed towards the group of men, took their orders and made them feel comfortable. She sensed that their behaviour was strange. The group of men keeps on ordering another round after they finish what they ordered. She felt uncomfortable that they were watching her actions. But, when she handed the bill, she realized their real intention.
Uncomfortable
The Quiet Ones
Based on Ashley’s experiences, she had speculation that the real troublemakers were the quiet ones. Everyday she encounters a troublesome table, and she would switch with other male staff members to handle it. Unfortunately, that night, every male staff member was so busy that she could not exchange with them. The group of men waited for their chance to show their real intentions, and it was about time.
The Quiet Ones
Trouble Brewing
The Seagrape Café is a bar that was famous among students. Based on Ashley’s experience, the oldest people in the bar would be considered a gentleman. She was distracted by the actions of the group of men that she could not apprehend. She knew that there might be trouble along the way.
Trouble Brewing
Refused To Pay
Ashley was a server in the cafè. She knew that a lot of customers, with different personalities, would dine in their shop. Some were good, and some are not. She always does her best when it comes to customer service. Unexpectedly, the three men refused to pay for their bills.
Refused To Pay
They Were Just Starting
The three men finally finished their orders and wanted to take the bill. Ashley felt relieved that her shift would end so that she could have a good rest to prepare for the next day’s work. Not knowingly, that it would just be the start of something. While handling the bill, the three men began to ask something that Ashley was not aware of.
They Were Just Starting
What Do They Want
Ashley tried to retrieve the bill from the man but he refused. He slowly looked up and down like he was observing her which made her feel uncomfortable. Finally, the man gave back the bill. Ashley had a feeling that they were making fun of her.
What Do They Want
She Was Confused
Ashley kept her eyes on the men when suddenly the man signaled his companion to leave the place. They all stood up in the area and the one with the bill was like pointing to the door. She was so confused about what was happening but he understood that the man wanted her to follow him.
She Was Confused
Pay In Private
Ashley was confused about the situation and raised her hands for help. The leader of the man was persistent, and he leaned towards her. She was having a hard time to understand what the man was saying, and when he repeated it, she did get it that the man wanted to pay in private. It is an odd request from the customer that made her terrified.
Pay In Private
In A Panic State
Ashley was in a panic state and tried to look for her manager. She asked herself why these men would settle their bill in a more private place rather than their seat. If they have any problem with the food they ordered, they could just tell it immediately. But she thought that there is a better explanation of what the situation is.
In A Panic State
Mixed Emotions
Ashley is attractive, hard-working, keeps herself in shape, and it is the reason why many are enticed to dine in the café. The strange man was a handsome person too. A part of her was excited, but she also felt fear. She could not express the feeling, but she knew that she would not go in the private room with these odd customers.
Mixed Emotions
Relieved
Carlos, the manager of the café, rushed towards Ashley when he noticed that she was in fear. Ashley was so thankful and relieved that her manager observed them. He knew that she was terrified and that something terrible might happen. She told everything to her manager without any hesitation. Carlo was the one who should handle this kind of situation. They decided to come together in the back room.
Relieved
They Were Surprised
At first, Carlos thought that the group of men were unsatisfied with their service. He was hoping that the situation would not go out of control. The pressure was rising when their heading at the back of the store. They stopped at a designated place and were surprised afterwards.
They Were Surprised
Impressed
The men wanted to explain the suspicion to Ashley in a quiet private room. They told everything. That they were watching all the bartenders and were impressed by their dedication for work. After all the explanations, Carlo felt relieved, and the man gave the bill to him. He was shocked by what he saw on the bill.
Impressed
A Rare Event
Carlos was surprised that the group of three men gave a $500 tip for an order worth $112. He was shocked and could not even believe why these men tried to give too much tip for the staff. He was so grateful to the man, and the man asked him to double-check it. It was a mistake of him to misread the total amount of tip.
A Rare Event
That’s Not All
When Carlos took a closer look at the bill, he was confused. “I saw another zero”, he said. His face turned pale while Ashley cried because of the joy she felt on that night. Few minutes had passed, she began to calm down and immediately approached the three men to give a warm hug. It was mistaken as a $500 tip, but a $5,000 tip. They can’t even think why would the group of men want to give such an amount of money.
That’s Not All
A Tip From God
Many questions were running on their mind like “who were those men who would give such an amount for a tip” “why would they choose the staff of Seagrape Cafè than other fancier bars in the area”. The man explained that they were a group named “Tips for Jesus” with a saying “The Lord’s work, one tip at a time” and they have a mission to do.
A Tip From God
Good Samaritans
The group of men were travelling to different cities in America and found the most hard-working restaurant – which staff would be given a huge amount of tip. They already gave a sum of $11,500 in Manhattan alone. After all the events, it was spread through social media. There were people all over America who still wanted to share their different stories like the one where the bartender got a $1,000 tip for an $85 order. Ashley had a great plan on where to allocate her tip.
Good Samaritans
Giving Back
Ashley had a bright plan on where she could spend the money tipped by the group of men. She purchased assorted kinds of toys at a local store which donated on a toy drive called Al’s Angels. It is not the first time that she provides something for those in dire need. Ashley was delighted even if she did not have any for herself.
Giving Back
What Goes Around Comes Around
It is timely that Ashley received money from the “Tips for Jesus”. Little did they know that she was trying to gather toys and generously donate it to the toy drive. This simply says that life is an echo – what you send out, comes back. What you give, it always gets back to you.
What Goes Around Comes Around
Tide Pod Challenge
Social media is very in demand nowadays with a wide range of trendy applications which has different impacts on our lives. A challenge called “Tide Pod” was loved by many people, and some people could get a good post out of it. However, there’s this latest trend that makes everyone happy.
Tide Pod Challenge
Paycheck To Paycheck
Most people knew that they would not become rich from being a server. The latest challenge, called “Tip the Bill”, was formed to spread love in which anyone could participate. Participants are expected to have a great time dealing with this kind of challenge.
Paycheck To Paycheck
Wrong Tip
“Tip the Bill Challenge” has a mechanic in which people involved should order what they want and give 100% tip to the server when the bill comes. Some people began to take it seriously, however, time came that tipping fell. Studies found that 50% of people do not know the amount of tip to be given. How much is the best tip for a hard-working person in a restaurant?
Wrong Tip
More Than They Deserve
It is in the range of 15% to 20% that should be allocated for tip when eating in a restaurant. However, participants in the challenge were making a bigger bet. One example was at the Blue 4 restaurant in upper Northwest Washington.
More Than They Deserve
Tip The Bill Challenge
Christofer Nardelli, the owner of the four-year-old restaurant, has his favourite meal on the menu – Gumbo. It is a chicken and andouille sausage base with a dark roux, paired with an Old Chub Scotch Ale. Many customers would love to dine in his restaurant a few times a month.
Tip The Bill Challenge
Advance Orders
In terms of restaurant’s deals and promos, the chefs – Christofer and James, would even personally notify their customers through email. Also, beer options, new stuff and other details regarding what’s happening in the restaurant are included in the email. A customer responded with a question on when they would serve the gumbo that he wanted to eat.
Advance Orders
Generous Tipper
After finishing the food, the regular customer asked for the bill, paid for it and immediately left the store. Laura Dally, a bartender, spotted the bill at the table. At this time, they don’t know that something was different. The customer is kind and a generous tipper who always loved to eat gumbo. However, the tip given was unexpected.
Generous Tipper
More Than The Bill
The restaurant was preparing to close, other staff were busy cleaning, and Laura took the bill the customer had left. When she peeked inside the bill, they were all shocked seeing how big their tip was for a $93 bill. She suddenly rushed to Chris.
More Than The Bill
Utter Daze
Laura was utterly speechless and in a complete daze that he had to do a double-check the tip. It was a $2,000 tip for a $93 food consumed. He immediately went to her boss and explained everything. It was a big surprise for the owner, bartender and chef of the restaurant to see a huge amount of tip left by a regular customer
Utter Daze
Is This For Real?
Both went to the office. Chris stated that what happened in the restaurant is something similar occurred in some guy in the Midwest or West Coast. He also asked Laura “Who do you think these people are? That they give such generous tips that just made bartender’s day”. The reality is it happened to the restaurant.
Is This For Real?
Why Are They Giving A Huge Amount Of Money?
A credit card and a card slip were presented, and as per the customer, the $2,000 tip should be divided into three- $1,000 for chef James and $500 each for both Laura and Chris. But what’s the reason for someone to give such a huge amount of tip?
Why Are They Giving A Huge Amount Of Money?
Thank You Email
Chris, the owner of the restaurant, emailed the customer who gave a tip to express their gratitude. The customer responded with an explanation and said that he is pleased and proud to be a customer. Also, the customer is pleased in his way of expressing gratitude.
Thank You Email
Unexpected Help
Each person has a different way of how they would spend the tip given by the customer. Chris plans to use it for his toddler’s monthly day-care bill. James likes to spend it for his family. And, Laura plans to use it for her study, as an occupational therapist, at Montgomery College.
Unexpected Help
Hard To Believe
Both Chris and Laura can’t believe the tip given to them. Chris was flattered that their work was appreciated that much which made a customer leave a tip of that amount. Laura worked as a hostess, server or bartender for a decade, said that this was the first time she got that much tip. A note was attached at the back of the bill which says “Thank you for the Gumbo!” that shows that the customers were so delighted.
Hard To Believe