An Arkansas steakhouse received a generous tip from some loyal customers, who reportedly donated their entire coronavirus stimulus check.
“We just started crying and thanking God because it came at a time that most of our staff really needed it,” Allison Hall, the general manager at Colonial Steakhouse in Pine Bluff, told KARK. “Things have been barely getting by, but we are making it, though.”
Hall, whose parents own the steakhouse, said the regulars — who remain anonymous — picked up a to-go order and left the staff a $1,200 tip.
“She was just sobbing and saying it was their whole stimulus,” said owner Dana Gateley, adding that it was enough for each employee, including the ones not working, to receive $100.
Hall said the tip could not have come at a better time. Since restaurants are only allowed to do curbside pickup or take out in the state of Arkansas, the steakhouse had to cut its staff down from 12 to four people.
“It was nice to be able to call with some good news,” said Hall.
On top of that, the restaurant can only afford to stay open three days a week. But Hall says the staff is doing all it can to keep the steakhouse’s doors open.
“We’ve been open for a very long time, nearly 50 years, so we’re stubborn, and we aren’t giving up. We are not going to give up,” said Hall.