Florida is experiencing its worst surge of COVID-19, 18 months into the pandemic, yet it was one of the first States in the US to allow life to return to normal.
But just 52 per cent of the adult population is vaccinated, so life has not got back to normal and bars and restaurants are empty.
Wahoo Seafood Grill in Gainesville, the largest city in Alachua County, Florida, had customers on only two tables on Tuesday night.
It was a slow night for the 10 staff members who were shocked when a man, who was dining with his wife and son, called them all together as he went to pay his US$114 bill. He thanked them for their hard work and said he would leave a US$10,000 tip to share.
Shawn Shepherd, the restaurant owner, said he received the phone call around 9:15 pm telling him about the tip. His first thought was that it couldn’t be real.
“Check his ID and the name on the back of his credit card,” Shepherd advised his employee.
Mr Shepherd said the restaurant’s point-of-sale system approved the transaction. He was blown away and admitted checking back the next day to make sure the money was still there.
“Watching these guys get their cheque was almost as good as Christmas morning,” said Mr Shepherd.
Mr Shepherd said he was especially grateful for the tip because the workers there that night were loyal employees who stuck with the business during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Worker Ashley Green called into work on Tuesday after a bad patch when her daughter became ill.
“She’s had a hard month, she’s been not able to work. Kid has been in and out of the hospital. It’s been absolutely a really stressful time for her,” Mr Shepherd said.
We hope they enjoy their windfall.
