This was old, but I thought I would share. I had just come from a very long day teaching a class. I made a lot of money that day and amount of time I spent. I was hungry and had a wad of money in my pocket so I stopped at a small burger joint. While I was eating the women (1 person but more than two of me) in the table next to me, summoned the manager and proceeded to go on a rant about the crappy service, crappy food, crappy decor in a small (6 tables ish) restaurant The waitress could totally hear everything. She was nearly half way through when I asked the manager “sorry to interrupt but I had the same waitress when you are done talking to this customer I would like to speak to you as well” The woman puffs up thinking I will be telling the same story. The waitress hears me so I wink at her in a colossally failed attempt to reassure her. The women ended her rant they loudly “I will not be tipping today” The manager provides a meek apology but nothing to specific.
Cue my turn. Waitress is nearly in tears. “I heard everything this woman said and I must say I had a very different experience. She was prompt, friendly, the food was great, portions ample, I didn't get the pickle I asked her NOT to bring, I asked for water when my soda was finished, and she brought it out right away. …etc. etc.” I might have laid it on a little thick. ” I ended with – I will be covering this woman's tip as well” Waitress now in tears. The manager thanked me I ended up leaving $100 or so on a $15 order. She (waitress) chased me out to the parking lot to give me my change, but I told her to keep it. Favorite tip EVER!