Out of all the businesses caught in the storm of coronavirus, restaurants remain the hardest hit. Thankfully, for one eatery in North Carolina, a pair of customers had something special in store for them on their reopening day…
The Famous Toastery
Like so many restaurants around the country, the Famous Toastery in Wilmington, North Carolina, needed to close due to the coronavirus. For nearly two months, the once busy brunch spot remained closed. As you can imagine, it broke the hearts of the owners of the spot, Jamie and Joe Kloiber. However, a few weeks ago, a light at the end of the tunnel appeared: they were cleared for reopening!
On the first day of reopening, everything started off pretty well. Due to decreased capacity, the Famous Toastery wasn’t as packed as normal, but moving along smoothly. Then, in the late morning, both Kloibers noticed one couple visiting the Famous Toastery seemed particularly enthusiastic. While the Kloibers appreciated that the couple loved the food and restaurant, they could never have predicted what happened next…
“Bless You All”
Right up until the moment the customers left, everything seemed fine. Then the waiter picked up the receipt the couple, who requested to remain anonymous, left. They had enjoyed their meal so much that they left a $1,000 tip on their reopening day tab! While Jamie and Joe knew that the customer had enjoyed their meal, they never expected the generous move. “There’s so much kindness in this world. There really is,” Jamie said.
Oddly, as you can clearly see in the photo above, it is clear the loving couple wanted to leave $20 at first, still almost a 50% tip on a $43 bill. Still, something must have changed their mind, as they scratched out the $20 and left a whopping $1,000 on as a tip. They also left a thoughtful message to one side: “Bless You All.”
Responding On Social Media
On the agreement that they would keep the diner anonymous, Jamie and Joe Kloiber shared the story of the reopening day tip on the Famous Toastery Facebook page. “Today was our first day back… A sweet couple came in first thing this morning. Although they live in the area, this was their first time at Famous Toastery. As they dined with us, they were very gracious and complimentary,” they wrote. “They made a point to comment on their experience with us. A truly genuine couple. After they had left, our hostess noticed the incredibly generous tip.”
The owners also said that this tip was shared with everyone on the staff, both front and back of the house, to keep them motivated during hard times like that. “What a SPECTACULAR way to start their day! A true reflection of human compassion,” one commenter noted.
When visiting your favorite restaurant or another business, consider ways to help them stay open or reopen during the coronavirus. Many rely on ordering take-out or delivery, other sale coupons that their visitors can use later. Still, the most effective way to help is to leave tips as many have done before. This money will go straight to the workers and owners.
Sources: Australian News, MSN, WWAY TV.