(LaPorte, IN) - A LaPorte restaurant and its workers are riding on the wings of what appear to be angels.
Five bartenders and waitresses at 3rdBase Bar & Grill were each given $200 checks by a cusomer when laid-off because of the statewide ban on indoor dining to try and slow the spread of coronavirus.
Owner Kent Johnson said demand for takeout orders has been strong enough to keep members of his kitchen staff working.
Their hours were scaled back some but larger tips is helping to make-up the difference.
Johnson sad one customer, for example, left a $100 bill for a $40 order.
Two orders of french fries came with an $8 tip.
“The tips have been good enough they’re almost getting two days pay for one day so they’re definitely making out,” Johnson said.
Johnson said the checks from the customer were presented the same day he had to send home his bartenders and waitresses because of the indoor serving ban.
The name of each worker was written on the envelopes.
Johnson said the customer wants to remain anonymous but he described him as a self-made businessman in his early 60’s.
“They know him and he knows them and he’s very generous when he does come in here and dines or has an occasional cocktail,” he said.
Johnson said another customer with a second home in LaPorte gave what amounted to a pretty handy cash advance to help get through this difficult period.
He purchased a $1,000 gift card to use at his establishment but not until the restrictions are lifted.
“If someone bought a $1,000 gift card every day and wasn’t planning on using it for a couple of months we’d be doing really good,” he said.
"This town has been very good to us,” said Johnson, who also owns Mom’s Home Café next door across from Pine Lake.
