TikTok post from waitress on how Baby Boomers and Gen Z leave restaurant tables sparks debate

There’s no denying that each generation has some fundamental differences.

After all, the world that Gen Z has grown up in is near-unrecognisable when compared to the Baby Boomers’ hallowed 1950s and 60s.

But good manners have no generation, right? One restaurant server in the US took to TikTok to demonstrate that, in some cases at least, the kids are all right.

Back in 2020, Kaitlyn Brande posted a video on her TikTok account, @katebrande, to show how a table of “five boomers” left their table compared to how a table of “six Gen Zs” left theirs.

The difference was pretty stark.

Turns out it was the so-called Boomers, whose table looked like a culinary car accident had taken place atop it.

Napkins, plates, cutlery, and general mess all left behind with no apparent attempt to limit the damage.

The alleged Gen Zs, those born between 1997 and 2012, left their table pretty much how they found it, with their plates neatly stacked in a corner ready for their server to collect.

Considering the older generations typically call out youngers for being entitled, that table of Boomers really let the side down.

Brande captioned her video with the sentiment that younger generations know food service is a tough gig and feel obliged to make life a bit easier for staff, whereas older generations perhaps see their mess as part of the job.

“They get paid to do that VS we know restaurant life is hard here, let us help you out,” Brande said in the caption.

Speaking to Buzzfeed, Brande explained that she wasn’t looking to start a fight with her older customers, but felt it was right to call out the difference in politeness and respect displayed by the two tables.

“I posted it because I thought it was ironic since older people always expect respect,” Brande said at the time. “All I'm saying is it was cool and helpful of the younger people, and I appreciated it."

There were some strong responses online to it all.

“Just saying. Isn’t that what you get paid for?” asked one commenter.

“How will she have time to make TikToks on the clock if y’all don’t clean behind yourselves and lighten her workload??” another comment read. One can only wonder how this person found a break in their own schedule to leave the comment on the 11-second video.

Others were more charitable in their assessments, with many praising the younger crowd for their polite behaviour.

“My dad always taught me not to leave the place a mess when I leave,” said one person. “It’s not hard…”

“It doesn't matter even if they do get paid for it, it helps the staff out especially if it is hella busy,” another commenter added. “They don't get as much money as you think.”