War is usually hell, as the quote goes, but locals from Cincinnati, Ohio, have shown a war can also be friendly. Thanks to a “tip war,” many restaurant workers found life much easier amid the COVID-19 crisis.
Tip War At The Right Time
This tip war could not start at a better time. These days, as you likely know, many restaurants around the country are struggling due to the coronavirus. When one man and his daughters left a nice tip in Cincinnati, Ohio, they had no idea they would soon inspire much of the city to do the same. After eating at a local burger joint, Zipp’s Café, the family felt so happy that they left a massive, $1,000 tip. Of course, the business needed to share the fantastic news on Facebook.
“To the gentleman and his daughters who left this incredibly generous tip this afternoon, with big smiles on our faces, we want to say, thank you!” Zipp’s Café wrote in a post. They also shared a photo of the amazing tip. On the receipt, the tipper wrote: “Please share this tip with all of your employees as they work so hard and are dealing with COVID. Go Xavier!” a reference to a local college.
But that was just the beginning…
Cincinnati Raining Tips
Now, fans of both Xavier University and its revival school, the University of Cincinnati, are trying to get each other back by leaving bigger and bigger tips in this tip war. After the first post from Zipp’s went viral, two University of Cincinnati fans left a $1,001 tip at Keystone Bar & Grill, located just six miles away from Zipp’s Café. The new tip came with a note as well: “Earlier this week I saw a Xavier fan tip $1,000 at Zipp’s,” it read. “I believe now more than ever we need to support our local restaurants. Let’s see how long we can keep this going … Bearcats up by 1!!” Both customers wanted to remain anonymous but asked to post their note online instead. They said it’s “not for recognition, but to inspire others to do the same for those in the service industry.”
“It’s your turn, Xavier fans! Who will be one-upping the Bearcats by leaving a $1,002 tip at your favorite local bar or restaurant?” the Keystone Bar & Grill owners asked in the post.
Feel Good Movement
In just under a month, customers have managed to leave over $34,000 in this tip war, according to Zipp’s Café owner Mike Burke. Workers all over the Cincinnati town have been gathering impressive donations that help them meet their personal needs. “Xavier and UC happen to be three miles apart which makes it one of the closest rivalries in college sports. I think the proximity has definitely helped drive the traction on this very generous, feel good movement,” Burke said. “Money aside, I know this has put smiles on faces of everyone impacted and even put smiles on faces of those not directly involved. I have to say, we could all certainly use some more smiles these days.”
Only time will tell if this tip war will continue. However, either way, we’re sure that everyone in the Cincinnati area can agree: they’re glad it happened at all!