Black Waitress Serves Steph Curry, Saw Note on Check, and Start Crying…

He’s one of the biggest basketball stars in the world Steph Curry. He orders his meal, eats, and leaves just like any other customer. But then you notice something on the check. It’s not just a tip. It’s something far more impactful, something that leaves you with tears in your eyes.

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Imagine this: You’re a waitress, working tirelessly to provide excellent service to a crowd of hungry customers. The day is like any other—long hours, busy tables, and an endless stream of orders to juggle. You’re focused on doing your job well, ensuring every customer leaves satisfied. But today is different, though you don’t know it yet. Among the patrons is someone who isn’t just any customer. He’s one of the most famous basketball players in the world—Steph Curry.

For this black waitress, it was just another ordinary shift. The restaurant was bustling with activity, and she, like always, moved with efficiency and professionalism. She had met her fair share of notable faces during her time working in the service industry, so seeing someone famous wasn’t an extraordinary occurrence. Still, when she approached Steph Curry’s table, something felt different.

She greeted him and his companions with her usual friendly smile, took their order, and ensured their dining experience was seamless. They exchanged polite pleasantries, and she went about her day, attending to the many other customers in the restaurant. To her, Steph Curry was just another customer—a famous one, sure, but no different from anyone else she served.

The meal went smoothly, and eventually, Curry and his party finished, paid their bill, and left. It was only when she returned to collect the check from their table that she noticed something unusual. On the check was a handwritten note. At first, she hesitated, wondering if she had misread it. But as she looked closer, she realized it wasn’t just a casual thank-you message. It was something deeply personal, something that struck her to her core.

The note wasn’t just about the meal or the service. It was a heartfelt acknowledgment of her hard work, her professionalism, and, most importantly, her humanity. Steph Curry had taken the time to write a sincere message, praising her for her efforts and recognizing her not just as a waitress but as a person.

In a world where people in the service industry often feel overlooked, this gesture was transformative. It wasn’t just about the generous tip he left, though that was appreciated. It was the emotional weight of his words that made the moment so impactful. Curry didn’t have to write the note—he could have simply left a tip and gone on with his day—but he chose to go the extra mile. And that choice made all the difference.

For this waitress, who had spent countless hours on her feet, working tirelessly to make ends meet, the note was a reminder that her efforts didn’t go unnoticed. Tears welled up in her eyes as she stood there, holding the check. It wasn’t the kind of reaction she expected to have at work, but the message was so genuine and unexpected that it overwhelmed her. In those few words, Steph Curry managed to make her feel seen, valued, and appreciated in a way she hadn’t experienced before.

Working in the service industry can often feel thankless. Waitstaff deal with long hours, demanding customers, and little recognition for their efforts. This simple note, written by one of the biggest names in basketball, shattered that narrative. It wasn’t just a celebrity doing something nice—it was a human connection that transcended status, fame, or wealth.

The gesture also reminded her of the power of kindness. In a world that often feels transactional, where people are judged by their jobs or titles, this act was a reminder that everyone deserves respect and recognition. Steph Curry’s words weren’t just polite—they were deeply intentional. They acknowledged her as a person who mattered, who was making a difference, even in the small ways that often go unnoticed.

This moment wasn’t about the money, though the tip was generous. It was about dignity and respect. It was about showing that every person, regardless of their role, has value. Steph Curry, despite his fame and busy schedule, took the time to make someone else’s day better. That simple act of kindness had a profound impact—not just on the waitress but on anyone who hears her story.

The lesson here is clear: we all have the power to make someone’s life a little brighter. It doesn’t take fame or wealth to show appreciation for the people around us. A kind word, a smile, or a small gesture can create ripples of positivity that go far beyond the moment. Just as Steph Curry made this waitress feel seen and valued, we can do the same for the people who cross our paths every day.

How often do we stop to thank the people who make our lives easier—the barista who makes our coffee, the janitor who keeps our spaces clean, or the delivery driver who brings our packages? How often do we take a moment to truly acknowledge their efforts?

This story is a powerful reminder that kindness matters. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle of daily life and forget about the people who help us along the way. But as Steph Curry showed, even the smallest acts of kindness can have a big impact.

The waitress’s tears weren’t just about the note or the tip. They were about the feeling of being seen and appreciated in a way she hadn’t been before. For her, that day wasn’t just another shift at work. It was a moment that transformed how she saw herself and her work. It was a moment of validation and respect that she’ll carry with her forever.

In the end, this story isn’t just about a famous basketball player. It’s about the potential we all have to make someone feel valued and appreciated. It’s a call to action for each of us to take a moment, each day, to spread kindness and positivity. Because kindness doesn’t cost a thing, but its value is immeasurable.

So, the next time you interact with someone—whether they’re serving your food, cleaning your office, or helping you in some small way—take a moment to thank them. Let them know their efforts are appreciated. You never know how much that simple gesture might mean to them.

SEE MORE: Shaquille O’Neal Explains How He Maintains All of His Many ‘Superstar’ Friendships (Exclusive)

“The Diesel knows everybody,” O’Neal quips while discussing his upcoming Super Bowl party in New Orleans

Simone Biles, Taylor Swift and Jimmy Kimmel pose with Shaquille O’Neal on separate occasions. Photo:

Simone Biles/X; Shaquille O’Neal/Instagram; Randy Holmes/ABC via Getty

Celebrities, kids, fans, random people in the toy store — they’ve all got a friend in Shaquille O’Neal.

As O’Neal, 52, gears up for his annual Shaq’s Fun House party during Super Bowl weekend, the retired basketball star — who performs under the name DJ Diesel — tells PEOPLE how he maintains his friendships, particularly his many celebrity friendships.

“The Diesel knows everybody,” says O’Neal, who will perform at his Super Bowl party with by DJ Irie, John Summit and Ludacris, a longtime friend of O’Neal’s, on Friday, Feb. 7 in New Orleans, not far from where O’Neal broke out as a college basketball star at LSU.

The former Laker credits “respect and just being nice” for his extensive social network. “It’s all about honor and respect, so every person I come in contact with, superstar or not, I just try to show as much respect as possible,” says O’Neal.

Shaquille O’Neal, Taylor Swift and Jamie Salter.Shaquille O’Neal/Instagram

“I’ve been friends with Ludacris for over 30 years,” he shares of the rap icon. “Ludacris used to come by my house every time he was in LA unannounced, just to get some of my chef’s cake,” O’Neal tells PEOPLE.

“And John Summit is a good friend of mine and said he’d love to be involved.”

Shaq’s Fun House.Shaq’s Fun House

O’Neal is longtime friends with this year’s halftime performer, Kendrick Lamar, too. “I know Kendrick personally, so I know he’s going to put on a fabulous show.”

O’Neal says he first met Lamar when they “shot a commercial for soap” that was “really funny.”

“I’m not going to tell you what happened in the commercial, but it was an accident and it was so good that we just kept it,” he says of the spot, which actually was not promoting soap, but a 2016 commercial for American Express. It was shot in a soap store, however, so O’Neal wasn’t far off.

And although Lamar’s selection as the halftime performer has been somewhat controversial amid his ongoing feud with Drake — and fans of Lil Wayne arguing that he should perform at the game as it takes place in his hometown — O’Neal trusts that the right choice was made.

“Whoever the halftime performer is, it’s somebody that’s well respected and well liked,” he remarks.

But before the “Not Like Us” rapper lights up the stage at Caesar’s Superdome on Sunday, Feb. 9, O’Neal is excited to kick things off in New Orleans with Shaq’s Fun House.

“Man, I was happy when the Super Bowl was headed to the Big Easy. My party — no doubt, no doubt in my mind — will be the No. 1 party,” he says of the all-inclusive event. “Leave your wallet at home!”

DJ Irie, Flavor Flav. and Shaquille.Christopher Polk/Billboard via Getty

“And because I’m the man and I love New Orleans, no matter what kind of tickets you get, all tickets include a six-hour open bar. We want you to drink responsible and have fun.”

Tickets go on sale starting Jan. 17 and start at $199.

O’Neal’s Shaq-A-Licious XL Gummies, which he likes to eat just before taking the stage, will be a partner at the event. Additional partners include Carnival Cruise Line, Pepsi, BeatBox Beverages, Anheuser- Busch and Verizon.