Couple Tips Favorite Waiter Ridiculous $5,000

Greg Rubar has worked at D'Amico's Italian Market Cafe in Rice Village for 16 years. Sometimes he receives a good tip for the work he does, and sometimes he provides his usual good service and gets stiffed anyway. That wasn't the case this Saturday. A couple who are regular patrons decided to change Rubar's life. According to the restaurant, they had heard about Rubar's struggles since a recent storm had flooded his car. D'Amico's owners Nash D'Amico and Brina D’Amico Donaldson had been letting Rubar use the restaurant's truck when they could, but the married father had to rely on cabs or other methods to get to work when the truck wasn't available. The anonymous couple, who respected Rubar's work ethic and felt he deserved a lucky break, came in for their usual Saturday lunch. When Rubar presented them a bill for $26.95, the man handed Rubar an envelope and said "Go buy yourself a car." Inside, Rubar found $5,000 cash. No word yet on what Rubar plans to purchase, but hopefully it's something reliable. He's gonna owe his benefactors free dessert for life.

A shot of Rubar's money prior to deposit[Brina D’Amico Donaldson]