Colorado’s ‘COVID Bandit’ Strikes Again with an $1,800 Tip

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The mystifying "COVID Bandit" has struck again, this time leaving a whopping $1,800 gratuity at a Colorado restaurant.

Do you recall when just a few days back a man left a $1,400 tip for seven employees at the Notchtop Bakery and Cafe? That was last Wednesday, January 20. Well, the very next day, the COVID Bandit struck again.

According to the Estes Park Trail-Gazette, for his second appearance, the COVID Bandit left an unbelievable $1,800 tip to be shared amongst nine employees at Smokin' Dave's BBQ and Brew in Estes Park.

These aren't the only two sightings of the COVID Bandit. As a matter of fact, he has struck before at Smokin' Daves. Going back to November of 2020, he left a $1,600 tip accompanied by a note declaring "COVID sucks! $200 for everyone - eight hardworking people."

Who exactly is the COVID Bandit? It seems his secret identity isn't so secret. According to the Estes Park Trail-Gazette, his name is David. Word on the street is he's a local living just outside Estes Park. While his last name is known, employees at these restaurants have chosen to keep it a secret to protect his identity.

To think, I felt like a big shot yesterday morning when instead of my customary tip of one dollar plus the change rounding up to the next dollar, I bit the bullet and left a full two bucks. Yes, the miserly Waylon left a full two dollars.

Several friends of mine have stepped up and begun tipping generously. One friend now tips a full 75% every time he goes out. He told me last Saturday he does this because his heart goes out to those in the service industry who have struggled since COVID.

Here's a big shout out to Dave, the COVID Bandit. Smart money says there will be more sightings in Colorado in the near future.