A Rutgers University student, who worked summer at D'Jais Bar & Grill as a waitress to pay her bills, was stiffed by the tip she received from a party of eight.
Asbury Park Press reports that on Aug. 17, 20-year-old Jessica Corrinne Jones of Belmar, was waiting on a party of eight people who gave her no tip after paying a bill of $112.03.
Instead, she got a note in the receipt, saying "1 hour for food", accompanied by the text acronym "LOL," which means "Laugh Out Loud," written on the tip line.
The following day, Jones posted the receipt on her Facebook page, sharing her unfortunate experience and explaining what it was to her and what it meant for all the staff.
Last night, I was stunned by this receipt that was left for me by a party of eight people. I would have preferred a "$0"...
Posted by Jessica Corinne on Tuesday, August 18, 2015
"Last night, I was stunned by this receipt that was left for me by a party of eight people. I would have preferred a "$0" tip than a "LOL" tip, but as a waitress, bad tips and harsh notes are all part of the job. Even though they did wait an hour to eat, they remained satisfied with filled drinks and proper notice that the kitchen was a bit busier than normal. I've worked in the service industry for five years and I take pride in providing great service to my customers," Jones said on Facebook.
She added that tipped wait staff in New Jersey receive $2.50 an hour, compared to non-tipped staff who are paid a minimum wage of $8.38, according to the Asbury Park Press. She also noted that she took pride in giving her customers great service, she even blurred the customers' details, keeping their identity confidential.
People responded in support of Jones.
A Facebook user said, "So gross! Plus most waiters are teachers, students and mothers who are giving up a lot to spend time waiting tables. We don't get paid. Tips only. It's heartbreaking when you have a big check and get nothing when you were all over the table trying to make sure they were happy."
Another comment said, "[You're] nice! If they were respectable people they would understand sometimes things don't run smoothly and still too since you made sure their drinks were always filled!!"
After the post went viral, Belmar Mayor Matt Doherty showed his support to Jones and to all wait staff in Belmar on Facebook.
"If you visit Belmar please treat the hardworking men and women in our service industry with the same respect you would expect at your job. This is ridiculous," said Mayor Doherty.
