Server highlights tip section on receipt

We went to Olive Garden for lunch. The food was great, but the service was atypical. What blew me away was the highlighting on the check.

Oh look @olivegarden! Our server highlighted the tip section to be sure we'd see it. #unimressed pic.twitter.com/NZpl85U3Bw

— Gayle (@gaylecrabtree) October 26, 2015

I've been there and understand that servers need the money. I always try to tip well. Refilling my tea glass always encourages me to leave a little extra. Get the order right, remove the dirty dishes and bring items the first time that they are requested and I am a happy camper.

Sometimes things happen that keep servers from doing their job well. It's important not to hold the server responsible for kitchen mistakes. Crowded restaurants, training newbies, covering extra tables or having a large party are valid reasons for a server to be less than 100%. I always consider this when tipping or complaining. My best guess is that over 99% of the servers out there do a great job. We go to the Olive Garden because their employees usually can set the standard for the industry.

In situations like this it's okay with me if the extra napkins don't arrive or for the tea glass to sit empty. That's life. The server is probably doing the best that he or she can. If so, then there is no reason not to leave at least 18% on the table.

However, don't give me substandard service and then essentially ask for a tip by manually highlighting the check. I know the area is there and I know how to write in the tip amount. Don't press the issue by using a highlighter.

Update 10/27/2015 6:13 p.m.

The Olive Garden responded swiftly after seeing the tweeted photo. Despite telling them that I didn't need them to do anything, they sent a $40 e-gift card for a repeat visit anyway. I don't know if I'll use it or not, but the gesture was very nice. You can read what they said below.

I blacked out identifying information about the store. Almost all Olive Garden servers do a fabulous job. This one missed the mark on a few things and then put the icing on the cake by highlighting the tip line. There's no need for a store or company to be painted with the same brush because of the actions of a single server. Thanks for understanding that.

What do you think about the receipt and the Olive Garden response ? Share your opinion in the comment section below.