I spent 20 years in and out of the restaurant business. Started as a deli cook at 14. Was a fry cook by high school. Got the fuck out and didn’t have to deal with it through college. Then ended up a barman in the morning.
I have seen a check stolen off a table less than 5 times. 2 major cities. And multiple less urban areas. In all but one case it was a small kid. We’re talking toddler. Who didn’t understand that taking that money was wrong. And mom and dad brought the money back, apologized. And added an extra 20 bucks in tip to the server. I have seen the tip stolen out of a check more often. But again. Almost always a toddler messing around. Some of them are young enough not to even understand that money is a thing you want. Its just pretty. The rare exceptions are:
UNATTENDED TEENS
The only beings in the restaurant business more routinely scum-baggy than restaurant owners and investors. Are unattended teens.
