Business

Story About Greedy Banker Who Left ‘1%‘ Tip and ’Get a Real Job’ Message Found to be… Fake

So, the story goes like this: a wealthy, vicious member of the “1 percent” goes into a True Food Kitchen, he runs up a three-figure tab, leaves a 1 percent tip, and then writes “GET A REAL JOB” on the receipt.

Wow, what an awful person! Can this story get any worse? What? He was also a banker? We should have known!

Media Fooled by Phony 1% Tip Story Involving Greedy BankerHe also ordered a panda steak marinated in the shattered dreams of orphans.

A person supposedly working for the lousy-tipping “banker” took a photo of the receipt and posted it to a blog called “Future Ex-Banker.”

“Mention the ‘99 percent’ in my boss’ presence and feel his wrath,” the blogger wrote.

“So proudly does he wear his 1 percent badge of honor that he tips exactly 1 percent every time he feels the server doesn’t sufficiently bow down to his Holiness. Oh, and he always makes sure to include a ‘tip’ of his own,” the “banker’s” employee added.

Yahoo!, the Huffington Post, and a slew of other news sites ran the story and – surprise, surprise – it stoked the “class warfare” fires.

But after a little digging by CBS Los Angeles, it turns out the whole thing was a complete and total hoax. The incident never occurred and the photo that started it all is a fake:

Media Fooled by Phony 1% Tip Story Involving Greedy Banker[Pictured above: fake.]

Of course, we probably don’t need to point out the fact that the “banker” was a little too exact with that $1.33 tip. See, most people — especially those in the financial industry — would round 1.3354 (1 percent of $133.54) to 1.34, making the final total $134.88 as opposed to 134.87.

But, you know, a “banker” wouldn’t be bothered with those kind of details, right?

“The story was too good to be true,” writes Ed Morrissey of Hot Air. “There was only one thing wrong — it really was too good to be true.”

Indeed, according to CBS Los Angeles, “the receipt was changed and…the original receipt lists the meal as just over $30, with a 20 percent tip and no message aimed at the waitress.” Needless to say, original reports of the incident have since been corrected.

See the CBS investigative report:

Yep, as CBS Los Angeles discovered by actually talking to True Food Kitchen, it was just some lonely blogger looking to stoke a little “class warfare.” But that didn’t stop some of the biggest news outlets from picking up the story and contributing to the narrative.

Here’s the complete statement from True Food Kitchen (via the HuffPo):

We’re glad to respond to the news stories about a tipping incident at True Food Kitchen in Newport Beach.

Our first concern upon learning about this situation was our staff. We are very fortunate to have employees that are talented, bright, and undoubtedly, some of the best in the business.

However, we would like to report that there is misinformation circulating about this situation. The dining receipt that was originally posted on the blog, Future Ex Banker, and then republished by various websites, was, in fact, altered and exaggerated. We’d also like to assure people that the receipt was not posted and altered by anyone on behalf of True Food Kitchen. We respect our guests’ privacy and take it very seriously; we would never share personal information.

Some may think it odd that so many media outlets chose to publish the “Future Ex-Banker” blog posting without first confirming the story or at least calling the restaurant. But then again, as the saying goes, never let facts get in the way of a good story.

Comments (91)

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  • I Luv America
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 6:31pm

    When I first saw this story posted on Yahoo! (that was yesterday) I told myself that it must be leftist propoganda. I’m so glad I was right. Maybe all that time watching and listening to Glenn is paying off. BTW, the story is still up on Yahoo!

    Report Post »  
  • Mrs. Bowers
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 5:56pm

    I just thought it was a guy who got really rotten service. I thought it was a snide thing to do, but I didn’t think anymore about it. Now it’s been proven to be false, I wonder how many will report this part?

    Report Post »  
  • The Third Archon
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 5:51pm

    Yup–THIS is the most depraved results of capitalism. Not poverty, exploitation, and the total disregard for anything but the bottom line, and human survival or suffering in the long-run be damned. The capitalist creed is that if you DESERVED to not be exploited, you would have the wealth to protect yourself from it. Of course, THEY aren’t morally culpable for doing nothing, or God forbid antagonizing, the depraved conditions of many of their employees, most especially internationally where it is conveniently removed from the public eye.

    Yes–THIS is as bad as it gets; lol, it’s easy to believe whatever you want when you practice willful ignorance.

    Report Post » The Third Archon  
    • Patriot Z
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 9:37pm

      lol whats wrong? how come you libs think you are so smart and better but cant survive without us evil capitialists and cant get ahead without lying through your teeth? you want the bottom line then here it is for you CAPITIALISM is the best system because it most closely mimicks nature. aka evolution aka survival of the fittist. you libs love to make fun of christions for not believing in evolution then cry like children when its actually put into practice. face facts kid progressives and marxists etc are natures weak link, they are inferior and therefore not fit to rule. we are ows= natures dodo birds. ows is 99%of the problem!

      Report Post » Patriot Z  
    • MemphisViking
      Posted on February 29, 2012 at 10:27am

      Because socialism really eliminates poverty and exploitation.

      Report Post »  
    • Amica
      Posted on February 29, 2012 at 2:43pm

      You mean like willful ignorance of the story which clearly states that the report of a 1% tip was a blatant lie? That kind of willful ignorance?

      Report Post » Amica  
  • RightPolitically
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 5:46pm

    Liberal media had an orgasm with this story BEFORE they found out it was what most liberal things are, A BIG FAT FAKE!

    Report Post » RightPolitically  
  • PimpleJuice
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 5:38pm

    I say everybody who goes to this resturaunt leaves a 1% tip from now on to make a statement.

    Report Post » PimpleJuice  
    • chips1
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 7:01pm

      I thought they raised the minimum wage so we don’t have to tip anymore. Liberals lied to me again?

      Report Post »  
    • Girard1974
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 8:33pm

      And just what kind of statement would that convey, Pimplejuice, that even after learning that the whole story was made up stiffing the very people who had nothing to do with the issue should be punished? Unbelievable!

      Report Post » Girard1974  
    • taxwarrior
      Posted on February 29, 2012 at 1:00am

      Tipping is an anachronistic throwback to the days of Master/servant. I am the Lord and you are the peasant, cater to my every whim and I may throw you a bone. How demeaning. Charge me an honest price and pay your people a decent wage. Let them stop begging for scraps.

      Report Post » taxwarrior  
  • The Realist
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 5:33pm

    quickstudy
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 5:18pm

    “And those progressives and liberals who have read the story and believed it will not believe that it was a fake.”

    –YEP-And anyone that wants to see this is 100% true need only visit the comments section at the Smoking Gun: http://www.thesmokinggun.com/buster/actual-receipt-from-restaurant-hoax-879234

    Report Post » The Realist  
    • rambosharley
      Posted on February 29, 2012 at 6:02am

      Wow….the comment section was frightening!

      Report Post »  
    • MemphisViking
      Posted on February 29, 2012 at 10:46am

      Frightening, but not surprising. Liberals have proven time and again their ability to ignore actual physical proof if it undermines their agenda.

      Report Post »  
  • quickstudy
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 5:18pm

    And those progressives and liberals who have read the story and believed it will not believe that it was a fake.

    Report Post »  
  • broper
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 5:05pm

    I hope the American public is awakening to this amazing dereliction of duty to truth and fact, that seems to have our MSM in lockstep and marching towards a state-operated propaganda machine. How is it that MSMBC is practically an ethical clone of the old Soviet Pravada? I’ve always thought money was the root of all evil… it’s worse than I thought, evil is the root of all evil.

    “The greatest trick the devil has ever pulled off is convincing people that he doesn’t exist” –
    Keyser Soze (The Usual Suspects)

    Report Post » broper  
  • MCzwz
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 5:02pm

    What must be commended is CBS News Los Angeles’ courage in actually telling the truth, something the majority of today’s media seem to feel is optional, rather than required.

    In the grand scheme of today’s deteriorating world, is this particular episode really a significant issue in and of itself? Probably not.

    In the grander scheme of telling the truth in reporting the news, however, and considering the manner in which the slightly not-so-truth-telling media managed to get Mr. Obama elected, with the knowing complicity of the majority of Americans who chose the easy way out, and considering that November 2012 is pretty much the last real chance we have as Americans to get our Republic back — well, yeah, this is a heckuvan important issue!

    Report Post » MCzwz  
  • MammalOne
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 4:55pm

    More than anything, this goes to show that Huffington Post, CNN, and everyone else who published stories about this blog entry have no journalistic integrity. I can’t even conceive of the thought process: “Hmmm, some random person posted a story on their little-known blog. Everything everyone says on the internet is true so there’s no need to fact check.”

    Journalism. What happened to you?

    Report Post » MammalOne  
  • goahead.makemyday
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 4:50pm

    By the way if you were rich enough to be considered the 1% most people wouldn’t even be at that restaurant.

    Report Post » goahead.makemyday  
  • kentuckypatriot
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 4:49pm

    I’m shocked, frankly, that CBS even did an investigation!! WOW, is all I can say.

    Report Post » kentuckypatriot  
  • airportengineer
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 4:17pm

    Yahoo Posted this yesterday, and I posted 3 words: “Fake, Fake, Fake”

    The article was so ridiculous, it was an obvious lie! They put these things up all the time, and the think that they won’t get caught. Today, Yahoo still has the article, with just a sentence in the body of the story with the original headline that a source is calling it a “Hoax”. There are idiots still posting comments that they are outraged, and threatening lives, etc. The left should think about the consequences of pulling lies like this!

    Report Post » airportengineer  
    • Unbelievable
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 4:28pm

      The left-wing MSM were drooling over this… they couldn’t wait to demonize the rich again… Funny thing is, the media personalities are rich themselves! But of course it only counts if you’re a rich Republican.

      Report Post »  
    • ishka4me
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 4:36pm

      I do know this as a fact. About 20 years ago at Boston’s “legal Seafood” ; Ted Kennedy and Chris Dodd left my then Girlfriend a zero tip after the wait staff kissed their buts for 2 hours. Copius amonts of chavis regal. it is well known that The kennedy’s are awful tippers at all dining establishments

      Report Post »  
  • KickinBack
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 4:09pm

    Classic communist mind control. Crank up some fake bs and feed it to the useful idiots. Expect more of this in the future.

    Report Post » KickinBack  
  • dlivelli
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 3:54pm

    Guess that proud member of the 99% is about to join the ranks of the 8.3% after this stunt….and they should! These 99% idiots need to realize that it is the desire and generosity of the 1% that keeps the 99 able to pay their bills.! When is the last time a welfare recipient created a job? When I had my tile store I catered to the 1%………They allowed me to make a very good living! Thank you, it was much appreciated. Do the OWS people really think the 1% will give up what they worked for?….or will they just “Take the money and run”…to quote Steve Miller. Some rich people are jerks….and for that matter some poor people are jerks so what is it that makes a person a ‘jerk’…is it money or attitude….

    An attitude of gratitude will get you a lot of altitude!….whining and bitching will only leave you wishing! …………..Go ahead make your choice.

    Report Post »  
    • bigdaddyt46
      Posted on February 29, 2012 at 7:27am

      Guess that proud member of the 99% is about to join the ranks of the 8.3% after this stunt

      nope he’ll get a promotion and a raise

      Report Post » bigdaddyt46  
  • D-Fence
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 3:49pm

    Doesn’t surprise me. Half of what the MSM puts out there is BS. Fox isn’t immune either.

    Report Post » D-Fence  
    • Ruler4You
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 4:02pm

      “Fake?” No kidding? What a surprise! Who? who would ‘a guessed that?

      I’m betting we can thank the OWS and G.Soros for this fabrication.

      In the intervening weeks and months until the election, I positively guarantee, we will see a frenzy of this kind of unresearched, fact less hyperbole presented as truth by the countless Godless media shills from the MSM that equate to throwing Algirls underwear against the wall to see “what sticks” to the GOP.

      While it may be difficult for some to equate obango to Satans spawn, government “IS” a fabrication of man and can not bring forth love. For government “IS” constructed in the concept that borders define men. They do not.

      After all: People are People; Depeche Mode

      Report Post » Ruler4You  
    • Zer0
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 4:20pm

      Can’t wait for all the Leftists to come out and argue ceaselessly that it was not a hoax…

      @Ruler4You

      Awesome Depeche Mode reference!

      Report Post »  
    • MammalOne
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 4:59pm

      RULER4YOU

      Depeche mode? Really?

      …really?

      Report Post » MammalOne  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 3:48pm

    Of course the leftist propaganda machinery will never bother with such actions as seeing if a story is actually true or not; as long as it falls within their ideological straight jacket mentality.

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
  • EchoHawk
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 3:46pm

    Does the name James O’Keefe ring any bells?

    Report Post »  
  • THX-1138
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 3:46pm

    If you believe everything you read then it’s best not to read…

    Report Post » THX-1138  
    • MammalOne
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 5:26pm

      If you post the same comment for every article, then it’s best to not post…

      Report Post » MammalOne  
  • Transmogrifier
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 3:46pm

    My favorite part of this article is where Mr. Adams tries to get smart about what “exactly 1%” of the bill would have been, and makes a statement just as inaccurate as the one he was “correcting.”

    Report Post »  
    • Kankokage
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 4:05pm

      1% of 133.54 is 1.3354, not 1.3300. That is rounded up in the real world to 1.34.

      1.34+133.54 = 134.88

      Confirmed. But of course, the whole thing is fake, so you are trying to catch the writer in a lie when in fact the story is about a lie perpetrated by someone like yourself (I’m forced to assume). That is comedy.

      Report Post » Kankokage  
  • EchoHawk
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 3:45pm

    Never heard the story and I follow the mainstream media.

    Report Post »  
    • Anonymous T. Irrelevant
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 4:07pm

      HuffPo, Yahoo, and these other proogressive sites will jump on anything that fits their agenda. Vet the story next time.

      Report Post » Anonymous T. Irrelevant  
  • hauschild
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 3:41pm

    Anybody foolish enough to have believed something so illogical needs to have a serious talk with some special doctors.

    Report Post »  
  • cookcountypatriot
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 3:40pm

    of course it was a progressive lie…progressive white slaves will lie and cheat about anything and everything….these mindless creeps are not to be trusted…

    Report Post » cookcountypatriot  
    • 1TrueOne55
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 4:20pm

      The “Mindless Creeps” were indoctrinated in the Public School System, is this an indication of the New World Order’s Army Training called for by the likes of Van Jones and Barack Hussein Obama. Those initials BHO just seem to remind an IT person of a lingering Virus on the Internet that embeds itself in your browser and slows everything you do down.

      This is why the Media has such a critical relationship with “We the People”, we give them the trust to tell us the truth and when they refuse to do that job then we fire them by not spending money on their behalf. With all the paper news and MSM sources finding it harder to monetize their content it should show them that lieing and faking information is not in their best interest.

      But Progressives have never let a good lie stop them.

      Report Post » 1TrueOne55  
    • junepug
      Posted on February 28, 2012 at 5:34pm

      I would suggest that all people read Atlas Shrugged. The book really shows how things are today and how they can get worse if we don’t put a stop to it. Ayn Rand was a true visionary in her time.

      Report Post »  
  • AvengerK
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 3:33pm

    By they way…it’s no surprise that the stinky OWS support who perpetrated this hoax had to indeed fabricate an incident disparaging the “one percent”.

    Report Post »  
  • AvengerK
    Posted on February 28, 2012 at 3:32pm

    My first question…had anyone asked who Server: Breanna is and whether or not she actually works at the kitchen? Her name appears on the receipt.

    Report Post »  
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