A TikTok user sparked controversy after showing how customers, as customers, clean their tables after eating at a restaurant.
In a video that has over 47,000 views, TikTok user Nick (@nicksmostcommonw) can be seen stacking plates and picking them up after him at a restaurant.
“POV: Your [sic] As a customer who used to work in the service industry, I don’t just tip but clean up like an adult,” he wrote in the text overlaying the video.
“Some people don’t realize this is what adults do,” he added in a comment. “I posted it as a minimum reference.”
@nicksmostcommonw What a crazy concept. #fyp #service industry #restaurant #food ♬ BOYs a LIAR PT2 NEVER DULL REMIX – Never Dull
Immediately, commenters were divided on whether this was the right approach to eating out.
Some were in favor of picking it up yourself at the restaurant.
“Basic decency and manners. Anyone who doesn’t is beyond me,” wrote one user.
“I’ve been doing this for my family since I was little,” added another. “It’s just manners.”
“I honestly thought that was what I should do,” said a third.
Others, however, were against the convention.
“Lmaoo tipping but not clearing the table,” said one user. “or[‘s] Not part of the reason you go out?
“If you were a really decent person, you would go in the back and wash the dishes.
“Because of you, I’ll be more scruffy at the diner,” declared another user.
A few commenters shared some advice for those interested in doing this themselves.
“…which is great, but if you decide to do this, put all your trash/food on the top plate or you’ll have to sort everything anyway,” the user elaborated. “I hated it when I thought everyone was nice, but now I have to tear down the whole stack and take the food from the bottom of the plate and throw it.” [away] Please put it back in the trash. ”
“All food is placed on the top plate with napkins. Ask them to stack the glasses because some cups can’t handle it,” suggested another TikToker.
I contacted Nick via DM on Instagram.
*First published: March 16, 2023 8:48 AM CDT
Braden Veera
Braden Bjella is a cultural writer. His work can be found on Mixmag, Electronic Beats and Schön! magazines, etc.
