Colorado Restaurant Receives 'COVID Sucks!' Message With $1,400 Tip

Employees at a Colorado restaurant were left with a pleasant surprise when a generous customer left behind a $1,400 tip with a message that read "COVID Sucks!"

The restaurant was Notchtop Bakery & Cafe in Estes Park.

While talking to a CNN reporter, the owner of the restaurant Nailya Khametvalieva said the customer, named David, came in on Wednesday, January 20, for a classic breakfast.

When his server approached him with his check, David wanted to know how many people were working that day.

When the server returned, they found a $1,400 tip with instructions to give each of their seven employees $200.

A tip for the whole restaurant staff would be considered generous at any time but in the context of COVID-19, the money means more than ever.

Luckily, the restaurant hasn't had to close because of the pandemic but Khamaetvalieva said business has been tough.

"It's $200 to me, but it's also $200 for my husband," said one employee Jayme Johnson. "It's also $200 for my daughters, for things that we needed to make it."

Thanks to a PPP loan, the restaurant has been able to stay afloat without laying off staff.

Many customers have been finding ways to support them even if they can't come in person by purchasing gift cards.

"I wanted to thank everybody who actually feel for small businesses and people have been so grateful and kind and nice," said Khametvalieva. "They have a big heart, especially David."

Photo: Getty Images