Waitress Fired After Receiving $4,400 Tip From Customer

Often, the debate heats up around what constitutes a 'small' tip. But what about when the tip is an eye-popping $4,400? 

That's a whole different story and definitely not your everyday occurrence.

Take Ryan Brandt, for example. 

She was serving a large group of over 40 business professionals at an Arkansas eatery last year when she was given a gigantic tip as a thank you for her stellar service.

Her reaction to this unexpected windfall was nothing short of astonishing.

The memorable scene was shared on Instagram by dinner guest Rebecca Soto, who couldn't help but express the joy of the moment:

"I'm humbled to have been part of something so beautiful and generous. To bless someone else without previously knowing them." 

"I'm humbled to have been part of something so beautiful and generous." Credit: Instagram / @rebeccasoto_legacy

The sentiment didn’t end there, as she added, "I have been blessed, so it is wonderful to pay it forward and bless someone else."

"God bless all who contributed and the servers who received it. I pray it may be multiplied and impact their life for the better."

Unfortunately, the high from this generous act didn't last too long for Ryan. Soon after, she experienced a significant low—she was let go from her job.

The viral footage captured the moment businessman Grant Wise handed over the hefty tip to a shocked Ryan. 

"Everybody at this table has contributed or tipped $100 for you, and for the other waitress, who unfortunately had to go home because she wasn't feeling well," he explained to the astonished server.

The waitress said getting fired was 'devastating'. Credit: Instagram / @rebeccasoto_legacy

"And then we put it out to our social media channels, and we actually had quite a bit more money sent in."

"So we are tipping you a total of $4,400 for you to split with the other girl that took care of us."

As one could imagine, Ryan was totally overwhelmed by the gesture.

She couldn't stop thanking everyone involved, visibly moved and brought to tears by such kindness.

However, the joy was short-lived. 

Speaking with KNWA News, Ryan shared her disappointment: "I was told that I was going to be giving my cash over to my shift manager, and I would be taking home 20 percent."

Ryan also mentioned to the news outlet that in her over three years at Oven & Tap, she had never been asked to split her tips with other staff.

When Grant Wise got wind of what happened, he reportedly demanded the tip be returned, as reported by Distractify at the time.

After getting the money back, he made sure to give it directly to Ryan away from the restaurant, making sure she received the full amount.

But when Ryan went back into the restaurant, she was faced with the shocking news that she had been dismissed for accepting the tip—a claim that Oven & Tap refutes.

"It was devastating. I borrowed a significant amount for student loans."

"Most of them were turned off because of the pandemic, but they're turning back on in January and that's a harsh reality," Ryan expressed to the local media.

Ryan believed her firing from Oven & Tap was due to her 'violating its policy'. 

Luke Wetzel, a co-owner of the establishment, stated: "The employee that was terminated was not terminated for retaining the tip."

"Due to the privacy and the respect of our employees, we do not discuss employee affairs."