On TikTok, a Cuban woman known as @cubanita09 did not hold back as she expressed her frustration regarding what she perceives as an unfair tipping culture in the United States. She urged restaurant owners to "pay your servers what they deserve, stop ripping them off, expecting customers to cover what you don't." Drawing on her own experience as a former waitress, she noted that the now-commonplace tips of 20%, 25%, or even 30% were unheard of during her time in the industry.
She recounted a recent experience at a restaurant where the bill presented tip options ranging from 20% to 30%. “What’s next, a 50/50 split?” she sarcastically remarked, recalling a time when tips started at a modest 5% or 10%. She emphasized that tipping should not be mandatory, acknowledging the significance of tips, but only when given voluntarily.
The video quickly gained traction online, sparking a flurry of reactions. One user shared, “I worked at a bakery in Miami, and they used tips to complete our salaries. Whatever was left over, the owners kept.” Another recounted a troubling experience: “I went to a restaurant in Doral, and they charged me an included 18% tip, then asked for an additional 15% or more. They double-dip if you’re not paying attention!” The consensus among commenters was that the situation has become exploitative. One person even warned, “This should be illegal. Tips come from our pockets; owners shouldn't rely on them.”
A Growing Controversy
The debate over tipping has surfaced before, as evidenced by Karla Martin, another Cuban who made waves in August with a viral video criticizing the obligatory tips at many restaurants, despite sometimes questionable service quality.