Waffle House takes back North Carolina server's $1,000 tip

RALEIGH, N.C., June 10 (UPI) -- A North Carolina Waffle House waitress wasn't allowed to keep a $1,000 tip she received while working the late shift on Mother's Day.

Shaina Brown served a man a Texas bacon patty melt around 3 a.m. on Mother's Day in Raleigh and he was apparently very impressed with the service. He told Brown, "I'm going to bless you tonight," and left a $1,500 tip when he paid his bill with a credit card.

He asked Brown to keep $1,000 and give the remaining $500 to a woman sitting at another table who appeared as if she could use the help. "You have a good spirit," he told Brown.

But instead of letting the 26-year-old single mother keep the money, Waffle House sent the money back to the generous tipper, who had already left, in case he wanted to dispute the large amount or ask for a refund.

"I feel like they stole from me," said Brown. "They did exactly what they teach us not to do."

According to a Waffle House spokeswoman, sending back large credit card tips is standard procedure and large tippers are asked to tip again by cash or check.

Josh Shaffer of the Raleigh News and Observer located the customer, who didn't want to be named, and apprised him of the situation. The businessman confirmed he intentionally left the large tip, and now plans to write Brown a personal check, though there is no way of tracking down the other woman.