Waiter's $5,000 tip for $27 meal: 'Buy a nice car'

HOUSTON ? A couple left a waiter who recently lost his car a $5,000 tip for their $27 lunch.

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Greg Rubar has worked as a waiter at D'Amico's in Rice Village for 16 years.

In that time, Rubar has received plenty of large tips, but on Saturday, he said a pair of regulars gave him an envelope with $5,000 cash.

"He said, 'We're still going to come in, but we're not going to tip you for a while.' He said this is for you to go and buy a nice car," said Rubar.

Rubar lost his car in a severe storm several weeks ago. He had been taking cabs and buses to get to work.

Brina D'Amico Donaldson, a co-owner of the restaurant, said she was surprised by the amount of money he was given.

"It was a bit shocking to hear that. I was like, maybe $500, but $5,000 is quite a generous tip," said D'Amico Donaldson.

She said it couldn't have happened to a better person.

"He's an incredibly hard worker. He would work every shift if we would let him," she added.

Rubar still has a hard time believing it happened.

"People can be generous. They told me I deserved it," said Rubar. "It's overwhelming to me."

Rubar said he plans to use the tip to buy a vehicle.

The two generous customers have asked to remain anonymous.

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