Man and His Friends Get Overcharged on Their Night Out, but the Reason Behind the Inflated Bill Is Shocking.
In a tale of an innocent night out turned sour, the Original Poster (OP) recounts a dining experience that takes a startling turn. Confronted with a surprisingly inflated bill, OP uncovers a scam by their waitress, leading to a tense showdown that leaves everyone on edge. But what will be the fate of the dishonest waitress, and how will the restaurant respond to such deceit?
Unusual Evening
OP and his friends dine out one evening, indulging in several rounds of drinks, appetizers, and hearty meals, asking only for some missing sides. All the while, they dealt with an unresponsive, slow, and slightly discourteous waitress.
The Intended Tip
Despite the quality of service, OP resolved to leave a 15% tip, setting aside the lackluster service. However, when the check arrived, OP was taken aback to see the total amount far higher than he had anticipated.
Shocking Discovery
To OP’s surprise, all the drinks had been upcharged to top-shelf liquor, nearly doubling the overall cost of the evening. OP double-checked the menu, which mentioned such premium liquors as ‘optional’ in barely noticeable small print.
Confronting the Waitress
OP courteously approached the waitress, showing her the menu and the price options. The waitress, however, shrugged off the inquiry, casually stating, “That’s just what I do. I always add the premium,” and departed before OP could bring in the manager. Surprisingly, there was no apology, explanation, or mention of restaurant policy.
Uncloaking the Scam
OP was disgusted, realizing the waitress’s likely motive of upcharging everyone in the hopes of earning a higher tip. She had effectively exploited the party’s good nature for her gain, ensuring they were none the wiser. OP concluded that this was not just a simple misunderstanding but a well-thought-out scam.
Repercussions Begin
Agitated by the scam, OP did not leave a tip, only a note on the receipt explaining why he didn’t leave a tip. His message encapsulated the unpleasant experience and the waitress’s unprofessional behavior.
Taking it Online
Following the written note, OP escalated his grievance by leaving a review on the company’s website. He meticulously recounted the evening’s events, exposing the waitress’s unfair upcharging tactic. It was a warning to future customers and the restaurant management about his dining experience.
A Manager’s Intervention
The next day, OP called the restaurant manager, who was apologetic and concerned. He expressed shock at the incident and assured OP that it did not reflect the restaurant’s standards, promising to rectify the situation.
The Unexpected Revelation
The manager further revealed that other customers had previously reported the waitress for similar behavior. She had managed to fly under the radar for a while, perpetuating her scam. This revelation affirmed OP’s suspicions, confirming he and his friends had not been the only victims.
The Aftermath
The restaurant, keen on rectifying its image, offered a complimentary meal as an apology to OP and his friends. The management team swiftly demonstrated their commitment to the restaurant’s reputation.
The Promise of Investigation
The manager assured OP that the incident would be thoroughly investigated and the waitress would be held accountable for her actions. This commitment was a step towards reestablishing the restaurant’s credibility in OP’s mind.
The Waitress’s Dismissal
After the internal investigation, the waitress was promptly dismissed from her duties. The restaurant’s management showed zero tolerance for her dishonest behavior. The waitress’s unethical practices led to her downfall.
A Fresh Start
OP and his friends were happy to accept the restaurant’s invitation for a complimentary meal, marking a fresh start. The manager personally attended to them, ensuring they had a positive dining experience.
Was The Man’s Behavior Appropriate?
OP posted his story online for feedback. The readers in the community forum had a lot of mixed views on the matter. Here are some of their responses:
Forum Responds
One reader said, “It is not on the waitress to decide your upcharges, and while I’m sure she gets away with it often because people don’t check their bills, her main goal was to increase her tip amount by increasing your check amount. She doesn’t get rewarded for that.”
Another Commenter Thinks
Another responder wrote, “I agree you should have found and spoken to a manager. Depending on how their tipping system works, it’s possible that she wasn’t the only one that lost out, and she’ll just keep doing it if she doesn’t have consequences.”
A Third View on The Story
A different person stated, “I would have insisted on finding the manager. She may be the only one doing it, and the manager will appreciate knowing this. However, it could be that everyone there does it, in which case the manager will be completely unhelpful.”
A Final Perspective on the Matter
Another reader replied, “It’s outrageous that she would be doing that, and even more outrageous that the manager was fine with it happening. I think you did the right thing by first trying to talk to the manager, then leaving a note as to why she wasn’t getting tipped.”
What Do You Think?
What are your thoughts on their actions?
What would you have done in this situation?
This story is inspired by a thread from an online forum.
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