A Cuban on TikTok, who identifies as @velazquezsilva, shared her experience at the restaurant Lo D' Alex, owned by the singer Alexander Delgado, from the group Gente de Zona. In her "story time," she recounted enjoying excellent service, delicious food, and a pleasant atmosphere, but what she encountered in the bathroom after dinner left her puzzled.
According to her testimony, upon entering the bathroom, she encountered a basket with money and an employee who handed her a towel and soap. When she mentioned she didn't have cash to leave a tip, the woman responded that at the restaurant "they don't get paid a salary" and that they live exclusively off tips. Furthermore, she indicated that one should "have the understanding to bring cash."
The Cuban woman expressed her annoyance, stating that tips are voluntary and should not be demanded. She mentioned that, while she was willing to send money via phone, the worker insisted on needing cash, which made her feel uncomfortable and left her with a negative impression after an enjoyable dinner. "To me, it felt like begging with a shotgun," the young woman commented in her video. "I felt like I was in Cuba. I felt bad. A tip is something voluntary that should neither be requested nor demanded."
He added that, although he was surprised by the employee's insistence, he decided not to create a conflict in order to avoid ruining his Valentine's Day evening. "I am a person who reacts quite quickly, and I don't stay silent for anything. But it was a Valentine's dinner, and it wasn't worth it after having enjoyed the place and had a good time to stress myself out over someone like that," he explained.
The video quickly went viral and sparked a wave of reactions on the platform. Some users agreed that it's unacceptable to demand tips and considered the worker's attitude inappropriate. "That's a thing in Cuba; if she's there, then they should pay her a salary," commented one user.
Additionally, others shared their own experiences that aligned with what had happened to this Cuban woman. "I didn’t give her a chance to say anything. I dried my hands, she didn’t offer me anything. She was on the phone, I threw the paper away and left. Ignoring is the best. If I have culture, she doesn’t have that," commented one user. Another added: "Oh friend, no words, I was in shock too. I was talking to her for the same reason and she told me exactly the same thing. I went to the table and told my husband, but the truth was it was a bit shocking". Similarly, another person recounted: "That’s really bad. I also went and went to the bathroom twice. I didn’t have cash because I’m the same. Luckily, my friend did have some, and we were able to give her some. But they shouldn’t have anyone there. Oh, and she was on the phone."
However, some internet users defended the need for the restaurant to offer a salary to its staff, and opined that Alexander Delgado might not be aware of the situation. "I'm sure Alexander knows nothing", wrote one user. Others suggested that labor authorities should investigate the case: "In the U.S., at least minimum wage is paid to every worker."
So far, neither Alexander Delgado nor the management of Lo D' Alex have made any statements regarding the controversy.
Frequently Asked Questions about the tipping controversy at the Lo D' Alex restaurant
What sparked the tipping controversy at the restaurant Lo D' Alex?
The controversy began when a Cuban customer, identified as @velazquezsilva on TikTok, shared her experience at Lo D' Alex, where a bathroom attendant indicated that she expected a tip because "they don't get paid a salary." This sparked discomfort, as the customer believed that tips are voluntary and should not be demanded.
Is it common for employees in the U.S. to rely on tips?
In the United States, it is common for certain employees, such as waiters, to rely on tips to supplement their income, as they often receive a base pay below the minimum wage, expecting tips to make up the difference.
What has been the public's reaction to this incident at Lo D' Alex?
The incident has sparked a wave of reactions on social media, with users criticizing the practice of demanding tips and suggesting that the restaurant should pay its employees a fair wage. However, so far, neither Alexander Delgado nor the restaurant management has issued any statements regarding the matter.
How does the tipping situation in the U.S. compare to Cuban culture?
In Cuba, the tipping culture is not as prevalent as in the United States. The reliance on tips in the U.S. may seem strange or even abusive to those coming from a culture where wages are not dependent on the customer. This cultural clash can lead to misunderstandings and frustrations among Cubans who emigrate.
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