Brighten Your Day

Customer Leaves $5,600 Tip To Split Among Restaurant Staff For Christmas

December 21, 2020

The staff at a restaurant in Ohio received an unexpected Christmas bonus from a customer.

Credit: Souk Mediterranean Kitchen

The guest, who asked to remain anonymous, was dining at Souk Mediterranean Kitchen & Bar in Toledo on December 12 when he left a $5,600 tip.

"This really happened," wrote owner and chef Moussa Salloukh. "Last night one of our guests left a $5,600 tip to be given to all of our staff, whether they were working that shift or not. It meant each of our 28 staff members received a $200 tip. What an amazing gesture of kindness to my employees."

Salloukh opened his restaurant in October 2019 but, like many others, has been struggling to keep it open due to the pandemic.

"There was a lot of tears, I'm tearing up now talking about it," Salloukh told CNN. "Your restaurant staff becomes your family and everyone cares about each other. I've been staying out of the kitchen to give employees hours to get through and put gifts under the tree for their kids, so this was so huge for us."

The unexpected act of kindness has restored hope for Salloukh.

"The words 'Thank You' seem inadequate for this gift... but Thank You Billy, for your generous spirit and for making a difference in the lives of people I care a lot about this holiday season," Salloukh said.