[Michael.SF.]

I worked as a waiter for many years while in college, we also gave the kitchen staff a six pack after our shift was over. Also tips were split with the Maitre'd, cocktail waitress and bus boys.

One hand washes the other and as a waiter, you need those people on your side.

Never heard of a customer doing this directly to the kitchen staff.

[FamiliarFace]

Our son has worked almost every job in food service, from prep, to expo, to waiter, and bartending also. At one of the places he worked, there was a menu item to send a round of beer to the staff to be enjoyed after hours. Since we were close to many of the staff, we did order a round for them occasionally. Our son said it was always appreciated and enjoyed at the end of a long day, not during it.