A hard working waitress, a generous businessman, an obscenely large tip—this was supposed to be a great story, this was supposed to be one of those heartwarming things we share on social media. One of those stories that make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Instead, we’re left with selfishness and greed and people who have poop for souls.
Meet Shaina Brown. She works the late shift at a Waffle House in Raleigh, North Carolina. On Mother’s Day, a man dined at her fine establishment, left a $1500 tip on his credit card—$1000 for Shaina and another $500 for a woman sitting nearby. He said, “you have a good spirit” then disappeared like a fart in the wind. It was like a Hallmark movie, a tearful ending for a woman who works her ass off to cover rent. Then Waffle House came in and totally ruined it.
They wouldn’t let her keep the money. They sent it back to the angel with the late-night appetite.
Then I contacted Kelly Thrasher, a Waffle House spokeswoman, who told me that large tips are refunded to patrons as a regular procedure. Generous tippers are asked to tip again by cash or check. The restaurant handles it that way, she explained, in case the customer decides to dispute the tip later or ask for a refund.
Yes, because I always carry my $1000 in cash on me—because I’m a stripper—and it’s all in singles. Assholes.
Thankfully, this story has a happy ending. Josh Shaffer, a journalist with the News & Observer contacted the businessman who said he’ll write Brown a check for the tip. Because, you know, charity can’t be spontaneous anymore. It has to be planned out ahead of time and God I hate you Waffle House. The next time I’m driving to Florida for Spring Break and it’s like 2am and I’m getting away from the cop who flagged me for speeding, I’m totally not hiding in your parking lot.