Server buys "small gift" for 93-year-old elderly regular who tips 60-70% of the bill each visit: 'I appreciate you coming in and eating here'

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Remy Millisky • Writer and Editor
Jan 28, 2026 3:00 PM EST

This server is giving back to a regular who always tips exceptionally well! 

If you ever think your actions don't make a difference in life, just try being a great tipper. Not just a good tipper — an exceptionally generous one. Go to the same coffee shop or restaurant as frequently as your wallet allows, and give generously. You'll also want to interact warmly with the staff. You'll probably learn interesting things about them and their lives, and they'll ask you about yours as well. When you hear how your waiter is saving up for his 5-year-old's birthday party, or how your barista is preparing to get supplies for her new puppy, you know that your tip is worth every penny. The trick is just to keep going to the same places, and before long, the staff will know and adore you. 

This person shared an interaction they had with one of their very elderly regulars. Now, if you've worked in any kind of service position, I don't have to tell you that seniors can be very, very particular. A lot of them are just old and achy and lonely, and they may have forgotten some or all of their manners. But a lot of times, once they get to know the staff (and once the staff start remembering that Grandmom likes her tea with 5 Splendas and creamer) they become quite lovable. They might open up and share stories about their lives, about how different things were 8 decades ago. 

As a server, this person is now accustomed to a "crotchety" old dude who has a lovable personality once you get past the gruffness. At 93 years young, this fellow is tipping bigly. On a $250 tab, he might leave behind $175 for the wait staff! That kind of money might not mean much for a nonagenarian. He probably can't go on lavish vacations anymore, and he most likely has no desires other than to give his money away in his twilight years. Plus, he's giving cash to a server who's thoughtful enough to think of the regular even outside of work, getting him a gift he's going to love. This person also promised to report back, so we're all waiting for the update! 

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  • 01

    'Small gift for a regular.'

    Old man in hat and sunglasses smiles, behind him waitress holds iPad and smiles
    via Getty Images For Unsplash+

    The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.

  • 02
    I have a regular [93M] who comes in a couple times a month.
    via u/IncompleteTotality
  • 03
    Like many seasoned folks I know, he has chosen [for better or worse] to be a crotchety old man. He often brings his grown children in with him to
    via u/IncompleteTotality
  • 04
    eat, and he "likes what he likes". He is no nonsense, and when you get his recurring order down, the job runs as smooth as silk.
    via u/IncompleteTotality
  • 05
    If things go wrong, you WILL hear about it. So be it.
    via u/IncompleteTotality
  • 06
    He grats in the 60-70% range every time [usually a $225-$250 tab]
    via u/IncompleteTotality
  • 07
    I was thinking about him the other day, so I bought him a lucky coin - a 1932 Washington quarter in really good condition for 20 bucks. Its his birth year, so I think its cool.
    via u/IncompleteTotality
  • 08
    My delivery will be simple: "This lucky coin's for you. I appreciate you coming in and eating here. Thanks." I'll let you know how it turns out.
    via u/IncompleteTotality
  • 09

    Commenters commended this server on their act of kindness

    Elderberr... When someone comes in who seems determined to be unhappy, I take it as a challenge Well played
    via u/ElderberryMaster4694
  • 10

    Other people were reminded of their own sour regulars who got sweeter over time

    Evening A... My fav regular before I left my last place was a crotchety old man named Bob.
    via u/EveningAnxious9576
  • 11
    Referred to him as "my old foe, Bob." He used to grunt his answers to questions but we found common ground talking abt F1. I miss u bob
    via u/EveningAnxious9576
  • 12
    HandleDe... Love a crotchety old man tbh. This is a sweet gesture that I'm sure he will appreciate :)
    via u/HandleDense4970
  • 13
    IncompleteTotality OP He cracks me up. A month ago, he said "I've seen some talented shit shovelers, and you shovel it very, very well, son." To which I responded "I have some used cars I'd like to sell you as well, sir." We laughed.
    via u//IncompleteTotality
  • 14
    Waitress in green shirt and white apron smiles at customer while holding iPad
    via Getty Images For Unsplash+

    The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.

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