Cape Town - The waitress, who served a family of four at Simply Asia restaurant in Durbanville, said it felt like “winning the lotto” after receiving a tip of R500.
Violet Musanandara had served a married couple, who are regulars at the restaurant, along with their two children, on July 30, during their dinner-time rush.
She, along with the other staff on duty, each received a generous R500 tip.
“On Friday night, during our busy evening trade, some of our regular customers came in.
“I took them to their table ... During serving them, the gentleman asked me to surprise him with a main meal, while his wife and two children ordered their own meals.
“I asked him if he had a preference, and he said as long as I surprise him,” recounted Musanandara.
When the family had finished their dinner and were ready to pay their R453 bill, Musanandara said the man had asked how many staff were on duty, before adding a R6 000 tip.
“I left and returned with the card machine, which is when I saw the huge tip.
“I was shocked and asked him to double check, as I thought he had made a mistake.
“He said it was correct and I should proceed. I then asked if I could call my manager, Thabi, and he said no he didn’t want to draw any attention.
“He said I should proceed and split the tip among all staff.
“So that is what I did. I went to my manager Thabi, and told her what had happened.
“We were all so shocked, and our entire store started cheering and thanked them. It was like winning the lotto,” she said.
Simply Asia group general manager Enzo Cocca said the kind gesture by the family, who asked to remain anonymous, was made after the customer noticed “just how hard everybody was working”.
“It was a bit surreal for all, and the fact that they want to be kept anonymous makes it even more meaningful and really special for staff, who have been struggling in the hospitality sector.
“The gesture has definitely boosted the morale of staff and everybody has been walking around with bigger smiles since Friday.
“This is just what staff needed, as we haven’t had a good run, considering the year we’ve been having. This is just what the staff needed,” said Cocca.
Thanking the family, Cocca said: “We have great respect for what has been done, especially anonymously, and we can only thank them for it.”
The gesture follows a number of “pay it forward” gestures, where patrons leave generous tips for restaurant staff.
This includes a R4 000 donation to charity, by a Hout Bay Massimo’s diner, during October last year.
Another significant gratuity spend occurred at Beerhouse, in Fourways, in 2019 – where a waitress was tipped R18 000 for her “amazing service”.
Cape Times