Tamba Hali (AP File Photo)
by Justin Schmidt
Multimedia Journalist
KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) -After the Chiefs big win over the Houston Texans, coach Andy Reid told his players to celebrate but do so wisely.
Chiefs defender Tamba Hali had 6 tackles and 2.5 sacks, including a game-clinching forced fumble. So he had a lot to celebrate, but clearly took Reid’s words to heart. A big man had a big meal and left a big tip that still has some employees at one Plaza area restaurant grinning ear to ear.
Hali, who played his college ball at Penn State, and up to 15 friends and family went to Fogo de Chao about 8:30 p.m. Sunday. The restaurant was pretty empty because most fans had stayed home to watch the game or traveled to Arrowhead.
Hali and his group enjoyed the all-you-can-eat-pig-out-fest of meat and racked up a bill of more than $1,800. The restaurant automatically added a tip of almost $300.
Restaurant employees say Hali is a regular customer who is a generous tipper. Still they were stunned when he added an additional $1,000 gratuity onto the bill.
“It made our day. Hands down, it made our day,” server Joshua Roan said. “The staff was over the top. He was the last guest in the building. There was a lot of shouting and hollering after he left. We had to wait until he left. We had to keep it professional.”
The staff split the tip as they do with all tips, even over-the-top ones.
Roan said he always enjoys serving Hali, who he said is a true gentleman who enjoys spending time with his friends and family when he dines at Fogo.
“He is having, I would say, his best year. Other players are holding up their end of the bargain just as much. It was definitely a celebration for him to come in and enjoy,” Roan said. “When I talk to him, I tell him great game, but he is super humble.”
The server said he wants to congratulate Hali on a great season, and thank him for the tip. They also enjoy seeing him, and hope he returns as a type of culinary good-luck charm.
“I think you should keep coming here. It’s a good thing because you’re winning,” he said.
Hali clearly enjoys spending time with his family and friends while at the restaurant. And, no, he doesn’t eat more than the average customer.
“You would think he would eat us out of house and home being a man of his stature, but he’s just the same as everyone else, honestly,” he said.
After KCTV5 News at 6 p.m. aired the report, a woman on Facebook reported to KCTV5 that Hali left nearly $400 for a car wash in southern Johnson County this week.
Copyright 2013 KCTV (Meredith Corp.) All rights reserved.
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