"Zero dollars!" Texas server calls out non-tipping customers in viral rant

A Texas Roadhouse server has reignited the debate over tipping culture after sharing his frustration over receiving no tip on a nearly $100 bill. Keven Manochit, a server and TikTok creator, posted a video showing a receipt for $98, with the tip line left blank. His reaction? Pure frustration.

"Zero (...) dollars!"

— @kevenmanochit

He explained that servers are often required to tip out bartenders and bussers based on sales, meaning that when customers don’t tip, the server actually ends up paying out of pocket.

Keven shared the reciept of a ticket that left nothing on the tip line. TikTok | @kevenmanochit

The hidden cost of not tipping

For many servers, tipping isn’t just a bonus—it’s essential. Most restaurant staff rely on tips to make up for low hourly wages, which, in many states, fall well below the standard minimum wage.

"Every table we serve, we have to give a percentage of the sales from that check to bartenders/bussers, etc."

— @bossybottom10

One TikTok user, @serans_, explained, "I wish people understood this more!!! If I have 1k of food sales at my restaurant that means I pay $50 even if I didn’t get tipped that much the whole day."

"If you're not going to tip, at least keep the bill low so I don't have to pay extra!"

— @gabbyyyylocaa

Customers push back

While many sympathized with Manochit, others pushed back against the idea that tipping should be expected.

"If tipping is make-or-break for you, maybe find a different job."

— @xoxogellssss

Another user, @deekayarr, suggested that servers often exaggerate how little they make, writing, "Post videos of the tips you do get. I know a lot of people in the server community, and even on bad days, they are still taking home decent tips."

A follow-up video stirs more controversy

Manochit later posted a follow-up video, doubling down on his stance. He called out repeat customers who never tip but still expect good service.

"We know you don't tip, and that's exactly why we serve you the way we serve you."

— @kevenmanochit

The video only added fuel to the fire, with some agreeing that customers who consistently stiff their servers shouldn’t expect top-tier service, while others criticized his approach as unprofessional.

Should tipping still be the norm?

Tipping culture in the U.S. continues to spark controversy. While it's ingrained in many service jobs, some believe it's time for restaurants to pay a fair wage rather than expecting customers to make up the difference.

What do you think? Should tipping remain an expectation, or is it time for a change in the industry?