Waiter turns down $2021 tip and gives it to another restaurant

Restaurants and those in the hospitality sector have been hit hard during the coronavirus pandemic as the spread of the virus has forced many places to temporarily close.

With that in mind, a Missouri-based businesswoman made it her goal to raise money to give to struggling hospitality staff. Providing waiting staff with huge tips, the woman was surprised when one waiter turned down the offer and insisted it go to another restaurant.

Nicole Genz, who owns a furniture shop, started raising money via Facebook to give to hospitality workers. The idea is part of the ‘Venmo Challenge’ which began on TikTok, where users are encouraged to raise money and surprise their waiting staff with a huge tip at the end of the meal.

Beginning the challenge on New Year’s Eve, her original goal of raising $1000 was smashed as she raised over $4000 to give out for a good cause.

After surprising one waitress who “could not have been more appreciative” she attempted to replicate that at another restaurant. But when she presented a St. Louis waiter with the $2021 dollar tip, to her shock, he politely turned it down.

In a video posted on Facebook, Genz can be heard explaining the challenge to a waiter at the Saffron Indian Cuisine restaurant.

Genz was shocked as the waiter can be heard saying: “I cannot take it. I really appreciate your donation, but … it’s too much for me," he said, adding, “Some places, they need this money more than us.”

Taken aback by his generosity, Genz tells the man she hopes the restaurant gets "10 times more support" and reassures him she’ll use the money to help another hospitality worker.

What a heartwarming story.