Featured Image Credit: TikTok/KateBrande
Topics: Food and Drink, US News, TikTok
Dylan Murray
A server noticed the differences between waiting on 'Baby Boomers' and 'Gen Zers', and it’s sparked one hell of a debate online.
This stems from a TikTok posted in the summer of 2023 by user Kaitlyn Brande, showing two tables she had just finished serving at the restaurant where she worked.
The contrast between the two tables was quite drastic, with Brande pointing out the generational differences between Boomers and Zoomers. Have a look:
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On one hand, the younger customers attempted to leave the table the way they had found it, stacking the plates and cups neatly at the end of the table, with all the garbage from the table sitting on top.
Conversely, the older customers left the table they dined at with half-eaten meals, napkins, and general messiness, leaving without cleaning their area or their plates.
Because of the stark contrast between the two tables, the poster noted the politeness of young people towards service workers in comparison to older customers in her caption, which read: “They get paid to do that VS we know restaurant life is hard here, let us help you out.”
Brande explained in an interview with Buzzfeed that the purpose of her posting this video wasn’t to take shots at older patrons, but rather to make a statement about politeness and respect.
“I posted it because I thought it was ironic since older people always expect respect,” Brande recalled, “All I'm saying is it was cool and helpful of the younger people, and I appreciated it."
However, as is the case with most generational clashes, this caused a massive debate in Brande’s comment section, with some giving the waitress blowback for a perceived lack of work ethic.
“Just saying. Isn’t that what you get paid for?” asked one commenter, while others were harsher, criticizing the waitress for taking a TikTok while working in the first place.
“How will she have time to make TikToks on the clock if y’all don’t clean behind yourselves and lighten her workload??” another comment read.
Meanwhile, other commenters gave credit to the young customers for their cleanliness and explained that it is simply good manners to clean up after yourself regardless of where you are.
One comment said: “My dad always taught me not to leave the place a mess when I leave. It’s not hard…”
“It doesn't matter even if they do get paid for it, it helps the staff out especially if it is hella busy,” another commenter explained before adding, “they don't get as much money as you think.”