I worked at a restaurant/bar from the end of January until the end of May this year (almost four years). During my time there, I never had a problem with any of my coworkers. I was even told that when the owners had a meeting with the general managers and restaurant managers, that nothing but good was said about my work there. One of the managers even said that I was one of the best employees that they had for that position - and he didn't want me to leave (even joked around that they weren't going to accept my two weeks notice, that I'm not allowed to leave, etc).

Since that time, I've gone in to eat there almost every other day (if not every other day). During this last month, I've spent well over $200 there in dining out.

Yesterday, I knew that my checking account was low (however, I got paid on Friday today from new job). I checked my account balance online, and it said that I had $12.29 as my ledger balance as well as my available balance. The food item that I wanted was $9.75, I planned on leaving a $2.00 (20% tip), which would leave me with a balance of $0.54. However, my card got declined. I told them that I had almost $13.00 available and that I checked the account online before coming here, and so I told them that I would run tot he ATM on the next block and take the money out myself. However, when I got to the ATM and printed a balance inquiry, it said that I only had $4.50 available.

I went back into the restaurant and told the server that, and that I didn't know what was wrong. Her face turned red and she didn't know what to do; she just sort of stood there. Another server overheard, and he came over and said, "Awe; you came here to eat and you got no money! What are you going to do?" I then told him about checking online before I came in, and he said that if I told him that $3.50 was available, that he would have believed me since that would be the almost $13.00 - the food item and that it would have been a problem with their register. He told me to hold on that he'll go get the manager on duty.

The manager on duty came over and asked me what's going on. I explained the situation to her; she ended up paying for the cost of my meal. She told me that I owe her the money before I can come back in here and eat and drink. She said that if I ever do this again - that I can't eat here from then on. She told me that I owe the female server a big tip, that I have to give her a minimum of $5.

I felt embarassed, angry, and hurt over the entire situation. The male server basically called me a liar when he said he would have believed me, and he made it seem like I intentionally came in to eat with no money. Then the manager on duty made it seem like I may plan on doing it again when she "If you ever do this again..." and like I chose to do it on purpose this time - and I was angry that she told me I had to leave a tip and how much (I always tip 20%-25% even for bad service; but I don't believe a waiter or restaurant should ever comment on tips or require them).

I'm wondering if they knew me, if they felt comfortable saying those things. Would they have said those things if I were not a frequent and used to work there? Did they say those things because they truly believed that I came in intentionally without money? How come they would not give me the benefit of the doubt - I've known them (worked everyday for four months and have been coming in more now that I'm not working there). Would they say them to another frequent? Does it show that they do not respect me?

I felt embarrassed during every part of this ordeal; and even two other patrons witnessed (they looked over as their faces turned a bright red - were they embarrassed for me? were they pitying me? did they think that I was a bad person who did come in with no intentions of paying?). I left with my heart racing, heavy breathing with shortness of breath, and it was all that I could think about - I kept replaying the situation in my head. I had to journal and write down everything that was said.

I even went back online and printed my bank statement, which showed that I had $12.29 available.

I went in today with my money, a $20 bill actually. I explained to the manager on duty that I was not happy with what was said yesterday - that I felt really embarrassed when the server said things like -you have no money- -I would have believed you...- and she asked me, Oh... why do you listen to him? He has no money either..." I even showed my printed bank statement to her and told her that I didn't intentionally come in and eat knowing I didn't have money to pay - that it was an honest mistake. She said that she didn't want to see that (even though she took her time looking at it) and that she only wanted her money. I gave her the $20, and she said things like -I don't want to take all your money- -where did you get this? do I need to see if it's counterfeit?- I just looked at her and shook my head. I told her that I won't be coming back anymore - that this will be my last time there. I told her it's a shame since I've become a regular there - and she said that's why she thinks it's ridiculous (was she saying ridiculous for me to not come back? or ridiculous that I come there everyday?). When I told her that I didn't like that she said "If you ever do this again..." she told me that I misheard her - and that she said I can't eat there until I pay that... and I told her that's not how I remember it - and she told me that I'm remembering wrong and that's not what she said... we kept going back and forth (with me repeating that's not what I remember) until eventually I told her that she's entitled to her own opinion and that it doesn't change my memory of what she said. I then told her goodbye and left. She didn't say any of this in a mean manner - she said it rather lightly like she was kidding or trying to get me laugh (like with the counterfeit comment). the whole time her face was red.

I had to go back in and get my keys - and I believe another server may have been discussing me with some patrons at the bar as she became quiet and stared at me when she saw me.

I'm thinking about taking this issue to the general managers tomorrow.

What do you guys think of this situation? How would you have handled it? Would you go back and eat?