Mystery Good Samaritan leaves $5,000 tip for Tennessee bar staff who are struggling during pandemic

A group of bartenders in Tennessee were left shocked after checking a customer’s bill and discovering they had been left a $5,000 tip.

One happy customer added the massive tip onto their bill at the Preservation Pub in Knoxville, Tennessee, over the weekend on January 15.

Scott West, who owns the Market Square business, took to Facebook to share a message from Ashley Coleman, one of his bar staff after she discovered the $5,000 tip.

Bar staff at the Preservation Pub in Knoxville, Tennessee, were shocked to discover that one generous patron had left a $5,000 tip after their visit

The bar owner shared a picture of Ashley, who is seen wearing a face mask, holding up the receipt that was left by the customer which showed the large tip.

Alongside the picture, a message from Ashley read: ‘Last night, Dave and I were working at Preservation Pub when one of our guests ordered a round for the bar, signed his tab and said, “Thank you so much- I wanted to make sure I took care of y’all.”

‘We didn’t think anything of it until the end of the night, when we discovered that he left a $5,000 tip…

‘Understandably, we were a bit taken aback. Dave and I are beyond grateful. COVID hasn’t been kind to any of us but it’s been especially difficult for those of us working in the service industry. 

Scott West, who owns Preservation Pub, took to Facebook over the weekend to share his staff’s gratitude at having received the enormous tip

‘Smaller capacities and early curfews have had a devastating financial impact for the majority of us. So, cheers to you Good Samaritan, whoever you are, thank you so much for your generosity!’

Small business owners are among the people worst affected by the coronavirus pandemic, with many having to either close their doors or reduce capacity as well as having to deal with reduced footflow.

Last year, Governor bill Lee announced the Supplemental Employer Recovery Grant to help small businesses.

The $50million aid package was intended to help small businesses cover ‘eligible direct expenses or costs incurred as a result of business interruptions’ because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Although wearing face masks isn’t a mandatory requirement for people in Tennessee, the office of Governor, Bill Lee (pictured), has ‘strongly encouraged’ people to wear them in all public places

To date, Tennessee has reported more than 672,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus and 8,312 deaths. 

At present, the Governor of Tennessee has declared a Level 3 – State of Emergency in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Although wearing face masks isn’t a mandatory requirement for people in Tennessee, the Governor’s office has ‘strongly encouraged’ people to wear them in all public places.

However, 70 per cent of local states within Tennessee have enacted local mandatory face covering orders. 

People were quick to praise the actions of the anonymous tipper, with one person saying that little acts of kindness like that help her keep ‘faith in humanity’

This is also extended to whenever you are set to travel somewhere where you are likely to come into close contact with other people. 

However, people have also been advised not to make children aged two-years-old and younger or people with breathing difficulties wear a face covering.

Restaurants and bars have also been given specific guidance to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

All tables should be spaced at least six feet apart and , if possible, booths should be spaced out to increase distance between separate dining parties.