The Coupon Tipper

When people come in to a restaurant to eat alone in Vegas, it really isn't that unusual. There are a lot of conventions in town and many people are forced to visit the City of Sin on their own. There are also the compulsive gamblers that earn points for every hard earned dollar they throw into a slot or table. These "points" can be redeemed for food or trucker hats, or whatever. These sad broke losers also dine alone often. A few weeks ago, however, I had the ever recluse "coupon solo diner." This is the person that is so frugal, they dine alone and use a coupon as to spend the least amount possible for a meal. I think it is a requirement for this species to always bring a paper while dining, ask the price of every alcoholic drink, and make sure to verify that -yes, there are free refills on soda.

My Solo Coupon Guy was pleasant enough, asking for a PBR (in the can of course) and soup to begin with, then a salad. He read the Living section of the paper while he dined. Refusing another beer, he switched to water once he finished. He asked about dessert, but politely refused when he saw the prices ($7 for a brownie Ala mode).

Here's where it gets good. His total bill was $23.89 - not bad for a beer, soup, sandwich and fries (this is Vegas casino prices I'm referring to). When presented with the check, he pulled a $25 Gift Certificate from his person.

*** SIDE NOTE : Your server DOES NOT get to "keep the change" on a gift certificate at a restaurant -the establishment sees this as a profit held for themselves ***

Solo Coupon Guy then proceeded to empty his wallet of all his coupons. He insisted that I "Choose two for my tip." He said I was "Such a wonderful server that I deserved two." When I politely said "That's okay, really, you should keep those, but thank you so much for coming in today." He said, "Here, take this coupon for In&Out it's worth at least $6, and this one too (for like Sweet Potatoes, or Tomatoes... something I've never heard of) they are combined tip of, like, $15... that's a good tip, right?" I politely said, "Thank you, Sir." - Which, as a waitress, you have to, or else YOU get in trouble for your customer being a dumb ass. So, all in all, this guy paid NOTHING, Nada, not one penny for his meal!

So, the next time you go out to eat please remember that the people serving your food are working for MONEY just like you are at your job answering phones, or driving a truck, or extracting a tooth, or whatever you do. Think - if someone offered you $5 off my next oil change to pay for the service you provided what would you do... and remember the server has to smile and say "thank you" no matter what they are given for compensation.

BUT, What do I know... I'm just a Waitress!