The waitress posted an image of the receipt on her Facebook page, but later deleted it. News outlets like USA Today and (N.J.) Press picked up on the story and reported on its viral nature.
BELMAR, N.J. (WTXF) -- - A 20-year-old college student and waitress shared the details of her experience with a group of diners after they wrote “LOL” on the tip line of their receipt following their meal.
It all happened at D’Jais Bar and Grill in Belmar, New Jersey on August 17.
The waitress is working there this summer to help with school finances, according to USA Today.
She had been waiting on a party of eight at the restaurant and night club that night when, after they left, she realized they hadn’t left her a tip on their $112.03 bill.
Instead, they left the acronym LOL – that stands for laughing out loud – on the tip line of the receipt. Next to it they wrote, “1 hour for food.”
The next day, the waitress wrote about the experience on her Facebook page and also posted a censored photo of the receipt. (She has since removed the post.)
"Last night, I was stunned by this receipt that was left for me by a party of eight people," the waitress wrote. "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."
She also added that servers in New Jersey only earn $2.50 an hour. Non-tipped workers earn $8.38.
"Most of my paychecks are less than pocket change because I have to pay taxes on the tips I make," she wrote. "I need tips to pay my bills. All waiters do. We spend an hour or more of our time befriending you, making you laugh, getting to know you, and making your dining experience the best it can be. We work hard, and we really do care."
The post, according to USA Today, had gone viral by Friday and Mayor of Belmar Matt Doherty even weighed in on his public Facebook page.
"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," Doherty wrote.
"My experience with this table was cruel and unnecessary but sadly it's not uncommon," the waitress wrote. "With that said: Please be good to your waiters. I know it's annoying when things aren't right. I know how aggravating it is to receive a hefty bill when all night you've been wondering why the table that came in after you was served before you. But waiters are mere messengers most of the time, and it's wrong to shoot them, however bad the news."