New Orleans Waitress Ignited Debate After Influencer Allegedly Skips Tip on Comped Meal

New Orleans, LA – A local waitress, Cynthia Russell, has sparked a conversation about tipping culture and influencer ethics after sharing her recent experience with an influencer who allegedly failed to tip on a comped meal. Russell, who works at a "popular" Honduran restaurant in New Orleans, recounted the incident in a video uploaded on August 28, 2025. According to Russell, she served an influencer who was doing marketing for the restaurant. The meal, which she estimated to be over $200, was completely comped. However, the influencer reportedly left no tip for Russell, despite receiving good service. "Couldn't even tip me 10 bucks, nothingggg," Russell stated in her video, expressing her annoyance. She further explained, "I didn't even bother to get her IG because I didn't like her energy / how she talked over me." Russell highlighted the financial strain she and other service industry workers face, particularly during what she described as the "New Orleans summer slow." She revealed that her paychecks from the restaurant had bounced two payrolls in a row, forcing her to "fight for my money via Venmo." She argued that influencers, even when receiving comped meals, should still tip their waitstaff. "If your service wasn't bad, you should still tip. I can even understand not tipping the entire 20% on a bill that was comped, but nothing bro?" she questioned. The incident has resonated with many, drawing attention to the challenges of the service industry and the expectations surrounding tipping, especially in an era where social media promotion often blurs the lines between professional engagements and personal transactions. Russell concluded her video by expressing her frustration, stating, "Yeah, I'm so pissed."

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8 days ago

New Orleans Server Shares Frustration After Influencer Leaves No Tip on $200 Co…

A server in New Orleans is calling out an influencer, who was invited as a marketing guest, for not tipping after enjoying a comped meal.