Dawn Montgomery, an award-winning journalist from Laurel, MS, took to the social media app X to share her unsettling experience at a local Applebee’s.
In the post on social media on June 29, she explained that she and her party of 14 encountered issues over a generous tip left for their waitress, Melissa.
According to Dawn’s account, they were initially informed that Melissa, who was new and apprehensive about serving large tables, would be their waitress.
Despite this, Melissa provided excellent service, prompting Dawn to leave a substantial tip.
However, upon presenting the check, the manager allegedly insisted on confirming with corporate whether they could accept such a high tip amount, an action Dawn found unprecedented.
“…they didn’t add gratuity to the tip when our party ended up being 14 people. Also, I’ve never had to sign & leave my number because my tip was too high,” she wrote,
In her post, Dawn, an award-winning journalist and a media and marketing strategist, mentioned that their party, predominantly Black, was aware of unwelcoming comments from other staff, suggesting they were reluctant to serve them.
After the meal, speaking with other waiters reportedly confirmed that verifying the tip amount was the only necessary action, not questioning its validity publicly.
Dawn’s post garnered attention, with many expressing outrage and support for Melissa.
Dawn concluded by urging Applebee’s to ensure Melissa receives her full tip and calling for accountability from corporate.
“That’s interesting because a $150 isn’t a large tip amount in the DMV where I live. The location (MS) maybe why it was questioned. I’ve tipped $150 in NC and nothing was questioned, no numbers exchanged, nothing and my entire party was Black,” someone wrote.
Another person wrote:
“Is there a way we can add to the tip for Melissa?”
Applebee’s has yet to publicly respond to the incident.
Others threatened to boycott Applebees until Melissa’s tip is returned to her in full.
A few hours after posting the on X, Dawn Montgomery added the following update:
“I spoke w/ Terri from @Applebees corporate. They are handling this by training regional managers & local restaurant management. Melissa is getting her full tip! I accepted their full apology and they will inform me with updates on the training.”
