“Lord knows I don’t like all this publicity” is what an Outback manager and her server picked up the check for a group of police officers in Slidell, Louisiana.
Arline Wood, who said she has worked at the Outback Steakhouse for 18 years, and server Zoe Rao said they wanted to know the officers were appreciated there.
“They’re the sweetest guys, I enjoy waiting on them,”
Rao told Fox8. “They care about the community, they care about everybody, they’re just great guys, our whole police force is great and these guys at night, I went to Zoe and I said, let’s take care of it,” Wood also told the outlet.
The two picked up the $67 tab and left a small note for the officers, thanking them. “Be safe! “Thank y’all for y’all’s service! Enjoy y’all’s meal on us!” the note said, according to the Daily Meal.
The Slidell Police Department posted the note and receipt the next day on Facebook, where it was shared thousands of times.
The two didn’t exactly want all the attention.
“I got a phone call early in the morning and I was like what are you talking about? People were calling me and then we saw it on Facebook, then it’s on this one and that one, and we didn’t do it for this publicity, because lord knows I don’t like all this publicity,” Wood told the outlet.
The four officers gave Rao a hefty tip in return. It’s not clear how much.
Rao said they hope their simple act will encourage others to give thanks to officers and other first responders.
“We are lucky to have amazing people in Slidell, including all the ones wearing uniforms including Police, Fire, EMTs ...and outback staff! Keep being AMAZING, and STAY SAFE!!!!” one commenter told the Slidell Police Department on Facebook. “Awesome act from the staff and a great way to show appreciation for all the officers do!! 1st responders have a rough enough job, great to see some the of community does appreciate them and their positions!!! Keep up the great work!!” another wrote.
How Much to Tip?
Everyone should know that the standard tipping fare is 15 to 20 percent of the pre-tax bill at a restaurant, but what about other places?“Tipping is important. There are so many services where people aren’t even paid minimum wage,” says Debby Mayne, etiquette guide, according to AARP’s
website. “The pizza delivery guy is out there braving the elements. There’s a reason why you didn’t go get that pizza yourself.”
Valet parking personnel
When your car is returned to you, it’s appropriate to tip the valet $2 to $5.
Hairstylist/barber
Stylists and barbers should be tipped a minimum of 15 to 20 percent of the service, and that tip can be split among others who assisted (for example, the shampoo person and colorist). Apply the same value to manicures, pedicures, massages and the like. Think the owner of the salon shouldn’t be tipped? Turns out that’s an old tradition. Owners today appreciate and will accept 15 to 20 percent.
Contractors
If you work with a regular contractor who cuts you a break from time to time, you may be compelled to offer a tip. Most of the time it isn’t necessary to tip an electrician or plumber, Mayne says. “However, if they do anything extra or spend more time than expected, a tip is always appreciated, with the minimum being $20.”
Movers
For a local move (with no broken dishes), Mayne says $20 per mover is fair. If it’s long distance, consider offering more.
Maid
At a hotel, you’re expected to leave a little something for maid service, based on how many days you stayed. But what about at home? Tipping a house cleaner who’s employed not by you but by a cleaning service is optional. If you feel so inclined, 10 to 15 percent is acceptable. At holiday time, or if you’re particularly impressed by a job (the gunk was cleaned from all your liquid soap dispensers), increase it, but by no more than $20.
