Sympathy For Server Asked To Split Check For Table Of 40: 'Wanted to Cry'

A social media video posted by waitress Gladis Vela has gone viral, offering viewers a humorous—yet telling—insight into the often overlooked challenges faced by servers at busy restaurants.

The video, which has amassed over 150,000 views in just four days, shows Vela's card machine churning out 40 separate receipts for a single large dinner party at the unnamed Mexican restaurant where she works, accompanied by the caption: "party for 40, separate checks please."

The response to Vela's post was immediate, with many users chiming in to share their thoughts on the seemingly excessive request for individual bills.

"Like y'all could've paid together then Venmo'd each other after," one user offered.

Another commented: "At my work, parties of eight or more is auto grat of 24 percent and they can't split bills."

This automatic gratuity policy is often implemented by restaurants to ensure fair compensation for servers when handling large groups, which can be more demanding and time-consuming.

After spotting the many messages of support and sympathy under Vela's post, Newsweek spoke with the waitress to hear her thoughts on the virality of her work dilemma.

"The reaction to my post has definitely been unexpected," Vela said.

"I've been in the service industry since I was 15, I'm now 22. So, I'd like to consider myself a veteran. While I understand the need for separate checks, it never gets easier with huge parties."

"Individuals who are not in the service industry might not understand why servers may be hesitant to split checks on tables with three or more customers, and that's fair."

She added: "We as servers definitely understand why everyone wants separate checks, and while we'd love if everyone could just Venmo each other, we'll do it for you, only our eye will definitely be twitching the whole time."

In 2021, there were over 2,517,793 servers currently employed in the U.S., with 68 percent of that number women. Data accumulated by Indeed suggests that the average U.S. salary for a server is $17.15.

The conversation under Vela's post touched on the mental toll that major demands, like splitting a bill between a large party, can place on servers.

"Remember. It's all worth it on payday. That's what I tell myself at work lol," shared a different user, providing a note of empathy and support for those in the industry.

"Only way I understand why they would do this is company cards. Otherwise, why not e-transfer or whatever that is in American," another user added.

This viral moment, shared by Vela's TikTok account @lizeth_vela8, shines a light on the hidden stresses that come with working as a server, from managing complex orders to accommodating large groups with individual payment requests.

The widespread reaction to the post hints at a growing recognition of the challenges faced by those in the hospitality sector, and fosters a dialogue on how restaurant guests can contribute to a more equitable and less stressful dining environment for them.

If you have a personal dilemma, let us know via life@newsweek.com. We can ask experts for advice on relationships, family, friends, money and work and your story could be featured on Newsweek's "What Should I Do? section.