Jun 24, 2025
A video showing a heated exchange between Evanston, Illinois, restaurant owner and a customer has sparked a broader conversation about tipping culture in America.
Kenny Chou, who owns Table to Stix Ramen, admits he lost his temper on April 19 when he confronted the customer outside his restaurant for not leaving a tip. The clip spread quickly on social media, and so did the controversy.
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Chou now regrets “bringing shame to my wife as a husband, as an owner. At the same time, to my mom and dad,” he told CBS News Chicago in a story published April 24.
The incident has reopened debate over a question that seems to grow more divisive by the day: when is tipping expected and when is it optional?
Online fallout and owner's apology
Backlash following the video was swift. The restaurant deactivated its social media accounts and stopped taking calls. Yelp was also closely monitoring its review page. Messages written in chalk appeared on the sidewalk outside the restaurant accusing the establishment of being anti-Black, according to the local broadcaster.
Chou says the confrontation began when he followed the customer, described as a regular, into the street, intending to tell him he was no longer welcome at the restaurant after he declined to leave a tip multiple times.
“I paid for my food. I handed you $20. You cannot charge more than what the menu says, so what are you talking about?” the customer explained in the video.
According to CBS News Chicago, when asked by a user why he didn't tip, the customer replied online: “Oh, I just didn’t want to.”
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Chou has since made efforts to extend an olive branch. He says the customer’s brother visited the restaurant and they had a productive conversation. Chou sent him home with a handwritten apology, the customer’s favorite dish and an offer to reconnect.
“My door is open for you, man. You know, come on by anytime,” Chou said.
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Tipping fatigue and rising frustration
The incident hits a nerve at a time when tipping has become increasingly controversial. High prices have led to some consumers tightening their belts. Many Americans have become exhausted by today’s tipping culture.
A survey published by Bankrate in 2025 found that 63% of U.S. adults have a negative view of tipping, while 41% feel tipping has gotten out of control. In addition, 41% of consumers believe businesses should simply pay employees more rather than rely on tips.
While consumers may be feeling the pinch, service industry workers are, too. Tips often make up a large portion of their income, especially in states where employers can pay them below minimum wage.
This financial tug-of-war is also generational. Bankrate’s tipping survey found that 43% of Gen Z and 61% of millennials always tip at sit-down restaurants, whereas 83% of Gen X and 84% of boomers do the same. Only 25% of Gen Z and 45% of millennials always tip their barber or hair stylist, while 67% of Gen X and 71% of boomers do so.
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With a writing and editing career spanning over 15 years, Emma creates and refines content across a broad spectrum of industries, including personal finance, lifestyle, travel, health & wellness, real estate, beauty & fitness and B2B/SaaS/tech.
