Women in service industries have been revealing the tricks they use to maximize tips—from golf cart girls sharing about their decorated carts to Hooters servers saying that pigtails creepily work.
Now, a bartender has figured out how to turn sports rivalry into cold, hard cash. Other servers may catch on and try it for themselves.
Bartender Reveals Her Strategy For Maximizing Tips
In a trending video with 19,000 views, bartender Gabriella Masseran (@gabriellamasseran) shared her unconventional approach to bartending in Denver.
“I have to admit my favorite animal is me whenever I wear like Steeler s— in Broncos country, pissing the guys off,” Masseran said. “That is my main goal.”
Her strategy is simple but effective. When Denver fans walk by and spot her wearing rival team merchandise, it triggers an immediate reaction that works in her favor.
“When you walk by the windows and see this s—, you’re gonna come in and get a drink and f—— tip and mouth off to me,” she explains. “And guess what? It works. It works.”
Masseran seems particularly amused by the predictability of the response, especially from older patrons who take the bait every time.
“That’s my favorite [expletive] animal, [expletive] the guys off because of [expletive] sports team and you’re 40 … years old, and you’re mouthing off to me,” she says.
The bartender’s tactic turns sports trash talk into real money. Fired-up customers come in specifically to argue with her, which means more drink orders and more tips for her.
How to Get Better Tips, Backed By Psychology
Masseran’s strategy may seem unconventional. But it’s rooted in a psychological principle that service workers have been using for years: create engagement.
According to research compiled by Fliptable, servers who make themselves memorable (whether through introducing themselves, complimenting customers’ orders, or even wearing things in their hair) consistently earn higher tips.
Building rapport and creating any form of connection with customers significantly impacts tip amounts. Research from the Journal of Applied Social Psychology showed that servers who complimented guests on their meal choices received considerably more in tips than those who didn’t.
Masseran’s approach takes this concept further by deliberately provoking an emotional response. Instead of complimenting customers, she’s antagonizing them. But the effect is the same. Controversy sells just as well as charm.
@gabriellamasseran I figured out a new strategy #bartender #bartending #football #denver #sundayfootball
Commenters React
“Oh you’re a Steelers fan? Name the entire 52-man roster then,” a top comment read, mocking what the men likley say to her.
“Nothing wrong with pittsburgh steelers, at least its not the raiders or the chiefs,” a person said.
“Buy a new hat every week for whoever the Broncos are playing.. big brain move. Then if they say you wore a dif team last weak say no and gaslight them = Profit,” another suggested.
“You’re my favorite bar tender now and I don’t even drink ! Keep doing gods work,” a commenter wrote.
BroBible reached out to Masseran for comment via Instagram and TikTok direct message.