Florida server says a 15‑person group racked up a $700 bill after arriving about 15 minutes before closing, then started arguing over tip

A Florida server seemingly questioned the generosity of a group of 15 people who came to her restaurant about 15 minutes before closing and left a $50 tip on a $700 bill. According to the Daily Dot, the server said in a TikTok that they were just 15 minutes from closing, and the group came in and ordered at once. However, when it was time to pay, they were initially reluctant to tip but eventually did, leaving $50. No comments from the diners were found.

In her TikTok, the woman vented about the tipping incident at the restaurant where she works. She said the group of 15 came in at closing time, but the staff still served them. Their bill totaled $700, but despite everything the staff did, they argued and seemed unenthusiastic about tipping. The server said they were not willing to leave one, but they eventually left $50 on the table.

The woman recalled what the customers said, “I didn’t want to tip anything, like, nothing.” The server stated that three servers worked on the table to get the work done, and explained, “If you sit on a table and it’s $700, I’m paying for you to sit down, because I’m paying runners, I’m paying the bar, etc, etc.” Further in her TikTok, she said these incidents often happen at the last minute, when the restaurant is closing.

Viewers seemed split on her story

As the video gained traction, viewers poured in their opinions, with some calling out the server for declaring that the tip is optional, not mandatory, while others seemed to be on the server’s side. As one of the commenters wrote, “At this late Most lights are turned off. They had little regard to everyone waiting to go home. The owner didn’t care. Had to stay. People please do not do this.” Another one added, “This is maybe the only case where a tip should’ve been given.”

Others seemed unenthusiastic towards the woman for calling out the diners, saying a tip is “optional,” as one of the commenters stated, “I’m happy they didn’t tip because of your entitlement. If your job is forcing you to tip out then the issue is with your employer. If there is no tip then there is no tip out, if they tip out a buck then that’s all you split.” Another one added, “Well tipping is optional you don’t work for the customer you work for the owner of the restaurant.”

Despite the video gaining traction and the commenters venting their opinions, the other side of the story remains unknown. The incident has not been independently verified. No comments from the restaurant or the diners were found after this incident gained traction.