People believe it is just right to tip your servers in restaurants. After all, these hardworking employees are dedicated to their jobs and work long hours several days a week. Unfortunately, some of these servers feel frustrated when they discover their customers did not leave a tip before they leave the restaurant.
In a video that has gone viral, a restaurant server named Lillie, known on TikTok as @mylasoasis_, boldly declared that if customers are not prepared to tip their servers, then perhaps they should not dine out, or rather, eat in a restaurant that does not require tips.
The video garnered over 10,000 views, and it sparked debate online. Lillie boldly declared her stance and did not hesitate to send the message across.
She looked into the camera and said: “Eating out is a privilege, not a right. If you can’t spare a 20% tip, maybe you shouldn’t be dining out.”
She pointed out the financial challenges restaurant servers face due to a lack of fixed salaries. Lillie also mentioned the debated topic of tipping customs in U.S. restaurants. She also touched on the widespread concerns that restaurant servers should receive a fixed wage. She pointed out the situation of over 1.6 million food servers around the country.
“You can argue all day that my employer should pay me more, but that’s not how things work here in America,” she said. “I earn a mere $3.63 from my restaurant. The bulk of my income? It comes from tips.”
Lillie further explained the various prices of food fixed in the menus of restaurants. The affordability of the dishes is such since customers are expected to tip their servers.
“Your meal is priced lower because you’re expected to tip on it,” she explained. “If tipping isn’t in your budget, perhaps it’s best to opt for takeout or even a trip to McDonald’s.”
Her video’s caption clearly sends the message: “For those suggesting we should earn more per hour… that’s not our reality. Choosing not to tip only diminishes your dining experience.”
As expected, netizens’ opinions were divided. Some felt that Lillie’s statement sounded too bold.
One commenter noted: “I always tip, but if you’re unhappy with the system, perhaps consider a different job that offers an hourly wage.”
Another shared the sentiment, suggesting: “If your job’s pay isn’t cutting it, it might be time to look elsewhere. This stance is a bit much.”
However, some netizens understood the situation and stayed in Lillie’s corner.
One supporter commented: “If you’re against tipping because you believe employers should offer fair wages, then make it a point to support businesses that uphold that standard.”
Another server shared their perspective: “I get just $2.13 an hour, and we don’t even see regular paychecks.”
However, some believe that while tipping is not mandatory, it should depend on the quality of service. “I’m consistent with a 20% tip or more. Unless the service was notably subpar,” a diner shared.
The custom of tipping in U.S. restaurants has always been a topic for debate. While other countries believe tipping in restaurants is optional, restaurants in the U.S. largely operate on the tipping system. Restaurant servers rely on service charges and tips from customers. Additionally, servers are strongly suggesting higher wages for staff. Although the system may be beneficial for some, it can be stressful for many other restaurant servers who rely on the customers’ generosity in providing tips.
On behalf of thousands of other servers in the U.S., Lillie’s video definitely shared what many others wanted to voice out. Whether you agree with her or not, we should recognize the hard work restaurant servers do and the challenges they face in their daily lives.
Screenshot images credits: © The Bereaved Mom (Lillie) @mylasoasis_/TikTok
Credits to photos from Pexels: © Andrea Piacquadio, Helena Lopes, and Cottonbrostudio
