Waiter Stole $91K In Fake Tips From Todd English's Olives

Todd English

There seems to be another story every week about waiters teaming up to reclaim their tips from penny-pinching bosses, so there is something refreshing about a waiter who turned the tables, instead allegedly pilfering $91,000 in fake tips from his employer, Todd English's Olives restaurant off Union Square. Investigators say that for the past two years 33-year-old waiter Mohammad Siraj would just add extra tip money onto his checks in the restaurant's computer.

According to a New York Post source the way the crime worked out the "tips" that Siraj was claiming in the computer were getting paid out by the restaurant, not patrons. Which might help explain why it took so long for the restaurant's bookkeepers to figure out what was going on. Eagle-eyed tourists are much more likely to question an inflated charge than an overworked number cruncher working for a fiance-fleeing celebrity chef.

In the end, though, they did notice—because people always seems to spot these sorts of things eventually—and Siraj was arrested on Tuesday and charged with grand larceny. He is currently locked up with bail set at $5,000.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Garth Johnston in Food on May 13, 2011 2:00 PM

Comments [rss]

dogbertt

It works in other countries.

Where else besides the U.S. is it expected to add a 20%+ gratuity at a restaurant? Or the rampant gratuities that are expected elsewhere?

Very third world.

Theodore Wirth

It sounds like he was pilfering from Todd in lieu of customers-at least I (ideologically) hope so.

The whole low salary plus tip income system that is legally in place is rife for systemic corruption, exploits the common worker and supports the underbelly that is "illegal" immigration.

Mr Mel

Let's not blame it on Todd. Those tip earning workers are part of an underclass created by generous Americans and uncaring employers. It is part of the American Business fear of raising prices. If a restaurant told all their workers they would pay them a wage based on the average wage of unskilled workers (essentially that is what they are) they would rebel and still work for the largess of generous Americans and cheap Europeans. I imagine that I will shortly hear from the disappointed actors, writers and other failed artists who populate the underpaid ranks of employees in the restaurants, taxicab and pedicab industries in this city.

dogbertt

Gotta love the ingeniousness of dem Albanians.

What this illustrates is just what a bass-ackward custom "tipping" is. Pay your people a living wage, Todd, and don't rely on your customers to make up the difference.