Country star Walker Hayes surprised three Tennessee Waffle House employees with a big tip to help them celebrate the holidays.
The 44-year-old singer handed a $1,200 tip to an employee after a meal at one of the restaurant chain's locations in Nashville with entrepreneur and social media influencer Lexi Burke.
Burke, a former server known as the Cereal Tipper, collects donations from her followers to provide generous tips to restaurant staff. Burke launched an online movement in May 2020 to support food service workers in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, and has continued her efforts ever since.
“Honestly, I'm so grateful that Lexi has allowed me to be a part of all the generosity that she's been able to cultivate,” Hayes told Southern Living magazine.
Walker Hayes surprised three Waffle House employees with generous tips. (Getty/Lexi Burke Instagram)
He continued, “When it comes to giving back, it's insane to be on this side of a gift. We've all been gifted cars in times of financial hardship, so we appreciate a little help. I know what it takes,” he said. ”
Walker Hayes of 'Fancy Like' fame hints at the opening of APPLEBEE'S in Nashville
A joint video posted by Hayes and Burke on Instagram on Thursday showed them meeting outside a Waffle House in Nashville. Burke introduced the Grammy nominee as an “unexpected contributor.”
“Are you ready for chips?” Burke asked Hayes.
“I'll give these guys a big tip,” he replied with a smile.
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Burke was also seen chatting with a waitress who said she worked at a hospital. The server was surprised by Hayes' behavior at the restaurant and told Burke, “Wow, he came in while I was working. I've never met a nicer person.”
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While the singer was ordering from a waitress, another employee played Hayes' song “Fancy Like Christmas” on the jukebox.
“We're adding this product to the menu. It's called Waffle Haze,” he said. “It's basically a waffle, but it's over-easy with two eggs, bacon and cheese, and it's folded like a taco.”
“I'll have a customer pick it up,'' the waitress told him.
“If they get it, that's what I want,” Hayes said.
After finishing the meal, Ms. Burke told the waitress and two other employees about her continuous tip movement.
Country singer Walker Hayes, above, was joined by influencer Lexi Burke, known as “The Serial Tipper.” (Debra L. Rosenberg/WireImage)
“I put out a call on social media, like every holiday season, to ask people to send change,” she said. “So they did, and my friend Walker wanted to contribute as well.”
Mr. Burke told his surprised employees that he would give them $400 each, for a total of $1,200.
“What's going on?!” Mr. Hayes said before Mr. Burke assured them that he was serious.
“Oh my god,” said one of the workers, to which Hayes replied, “I know!”
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“This is from a lot of people who just want to spend the night together,” Burke said. “Lots of love.”
Burke handed the waitress a wad of $100 bills as Hayes cheered.
“Can I hug you?” the waitress asked.
They hugged and the waitress said, “I'm going to hug you all. Thank you so much.”
At the end of the video, the employees asked Burke's supporters, “Thank you!”
Hayes struggled for years before finding fame with the hit song “Fancy Like.” (JC Penney)
Before her meteoric rise to fame with the success of her 2021 viral hit “Fancy Like,” Hayes toiled as an aspiring singer-songwriter for more than a decade, working at a Costco in Nashville. In a July 2023 interview with Fox News Digital, Hayes detailed his struggle with alcoholism.
father of six children He said he was able to get sober and embrace his faith thanks to the help of his friend, Pastor Craig Cooper. Cooper is a pastor who helped him and his family when they needed it most, he said.
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During an interview with Southern Living, Hayes said, “I never dreamed we would be able to offer so much to anyone.”
“I'm so grateful for anyone helping out in any way they can, especially this season,” he added.
