There’s nothing so insulting as giving great, friendly service and getting no tip. Except for doing this and being tipped with something without currency value.

***

Three young, good looking women came into the lounge at my least favourite bar job. They were in their early 20s, seemingly polite, and First Nations. I only mention their ethnicity because unlike many restaurant workers I gave everyone a chance, usually didn’t stereotype, and always treated people the same.

Throughout their stay at the restaurant I gave them the best service possible.

I greeted them as quickly as I could with professionalism and warmth, listed the specials, and took their drink orders.

I got their drinks out as quickly as possible, gave suggestions for the menu, and got their appetizer orders in before the supper rush, so they wouldn’t have to wait.

I made sure to time out their subsequent entrees, get their presets, and refill their drinks constantly.

I did a quality check on their food, made small talk, and asked if they wanted desert.

Then I got their bills as soon as they asked, thanked them for coming, and made sure to get payment as soon as possible, so they could leave as soon as they wanted.

I did this and more, despite how busy it was, showed constant class and professionalism, and made sure their experience was as pleasant as possible. 

Tell me how often anyone experiences this level of customer service, especially since Covid 19 destroyed the ranks of veteran hospitality staff?

***

Anyway, they paid with debit and said they left a cash tip in the billfold. I thanked them again and they laughed as I walked away. I wasn’t sure why they laughed, at first I felt maybe they thought I was cute, but I was soon disabused of that notion.

After I returned to my bartop I opened the billfold and saw three tokens for a movie theatre arcade. That was it. The girls were still laughing and looked over at me like it was a joke. I smiled back at them and entered the kitchen for a moment. 

The smart thing to do in such situations is shrug your shoulders, laugh, and let it go. But back then I was a hot head, hated my job, and felt extremely insulted. There was little doubt about what I’d do. While I debated the consequences of my next course of action I gambled they wouldn’t retaliate against my display of contempt.

I left the kitchen and calmly strolled back to their table. I approached them smiling but said nothing. Then I opened the billfold, slipped the arcade tokens onto my palm, and immediately slammed them onto the table between the three girls. They weren’t laughing or smiling as I walked away and returned to my bar. 

I watched them coldly as they left quickly and silently. Without another word they got their belongings and left the lounge. It was a big risk as they could have complained but I didn’t think immature girls in their 20s would have the guts to do so after such disrespectful behaviour. Because most bullies, big or small, immediately fold when you confront their bullshit decisively. 

After they left I shook my head, sighed, and got back to work. “Some people, I thought.”

***

They didn’t do it because they were First Nations or young women. I’ve served countless people from every demographic and most are good. No, those girls did that because they were human beings… and many people just suck.