TGI Fridays is at the center of online conversation, and it’s not about a new menu item. After a viral video captured an employee performing a heartfelt act of kindness, social media is now calling out the chain’s corporate leadership for what folks are labeling as an underwhelming reward.
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According to Atlanta News First, Brittany Bell, a server at TGI Fridays inside Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, was praised after a video showed her comforting a 2-year-old boy who was on the brink of an emotional breakdown at the eatery.
The child’s mother, Chalaine Scott, shared the story on social media, highlighting Bell’s patience and compassion toward her fussy son during a hectic travel day.
“Sometimes you work in a chaotic environment. You gotta be that person of peace and calm and bring them back to sanity in a stressful world because this is a stressful world.” Bell told the outlet. “Especially if you traveling, especially for the holidays, especially if you have kids.”
The video quickly became trendy on social media, garnering over 4 million views. TGI Friday’s social team even took a moment to acknowledge Bell’s tremendous representation of customer service.
Following the post, the company arranged an in-person visit by corporate leadership to recognize her heartfelt efforts formally. During the visit, Bell was presented with a large ceremonial check for…a mere $500.
After learning about the presentation, Scott took to her social media to launch a GoFundMe campaign for Bell. The fundraiser has since raised over $7,000 toward the $10,000 goal, which Scott says she plans to deliver to Bell as a special Christmas gift.
While social media celebrated Bell for her unwavering efforts, it wasted no time dragging TGI Friday’s for its underwhelming reward.
“5K would’ve been perfect, 10K would’ve be amazing,” one TikTok user wrote. “$500 was a waste of time and insult.”
Another wrote, “All the press and cameras to only give her $500, TGIF foul for that.”
Although many were dissatisfied, many still praised Bell.
“She did a good deed and God will reward her,” a TikTok user wrote.
An X user wrote:
Straight From 
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