CINCINNATI — In the spirit of competitve generosity, fans of both UC and Xavier have started leaving big tips for workers at Cincinnati-area restaurants.
Staff working amid the pandemic told WCPO Photojournalist Matthew Wood that those huge tips, some totaling more than $1,000, add up in a meaningful way.
"Everybody here works really, really hard," said Ryan McFarland, a server and bartender at Incline Public House. "Everybody does everything they can every single day. So definitely it's good to see us be able to genuinely help the entire staff.
"I'm a UC alum, so it's fun to see two schools that already have a heated rivalry, instead of doing something in hatred, to help people," he said.
Arnold's Bar & Grill server Christen Collins said she was shocked to receive one of the $1,000 crosstown tips.
"It really did take me by surprise, I went up to the managers and was like, 'is this real? Is this really happening?' Like, this is totally legit," she said.
For the staff at Red Feather Kitchen, the pandemic has meant downsizing to a "skeleton crew" doing their best to provide a quality dining experience. On Tuesday, their staff received a $1,500 tip.
"It really speaks to the community of Cincinnati, and the great people we have here," said Brad Bernstein, the chef and owner at Red Feather Kitchen. "It's just really fantastic to be apart of a community that cares."
Have you heard about the #CrosstownTipOff? I talk to several restaurants across the Tri-State that have all received large tips over the past few weeks sparked by a familiar rivalry. More at 11 on @WCPO. pic.twitter.com/8H6HxG8rFV
— Matthew Wood (@PhotogMattW) February 4, 2021
