A friendly college rivalry has been a boost to restaurant workers, as fans and alumni of Xavier University and the University of Cincinnati try to out-tip each other. The "tip war" started on Jan. 9, when an Xavier University alumnus ate lunch at Zip's Cafe in Cincinnati. His server was also an alum, and he tipped her $1,000 on his $54.59 check, asking in a note that she share the money with her coworkers as a thank you for their hard work during the pandemic. "Go Xavier!" he added.

The owner of Zip's Cafe shared a photo online, which was seen by two University of Cincinnati fans. They left a $1,001 tip at the Keystone Bar & Grill, writing on their bill: "Let's see how long we can keep this going. Bearcats up by 1!" Since then, Xavier and University of Cincinnati fans have been tipping generously at restaurants across the area. ABC News estimates the tip war has generated more than $34,000 for restaurant workers.