Mystery diner leaves $10,000 tip at southwest Florida restaurant

NAPLES, Fla. - Owners of a southwest Florida restaurant are trying to figure out who left a $10,000 tip for his employees just before the state's eateries were ordered to close their dining rooms during the coronavirus pandemic.

The man's generosity meant the 20 staff members at the Pavillion restaurant split the cash, each getting $500 on the day before they were laid off from their jobs.

Related: Florida Surgeon General says 'stay home' to one-third of state's population: seniors

Ross Edlund, who owns nine restaurants, told the Naples Daily News that the man who handed a manager the wad of cash is a regular customer, and he thinks his name might be Bill or Bob. He says the man likes to eat on the patio on weekdays and on weekends he often brings his family for brunch. They'd like to thank him.

“It's funny because we have regulars who have been coming in forever, and they're our friends but we don't always know their names. We know their faces, their orders, their favorite tables, but we don't know exactly who they are,” Edlund told the newspaper.

Edlund was forced to lay off 90% of his 200 employees over the past week. He's keeping some of his restaurants open with skeleton crews preparing take-out services.

Watch: Puppies from Atlanta Humane Society visit Georgia Aquarium during COVID-19 closure

The $10,000 tip was the most benevolent act his workers have seen, but Edlund says it's not the only one. He said many servers received big tips last week and they continue to get them as regular customers pick up curbside orders.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death. The vast majority of people recover.

If you feel sick:

The Florida Department of Health has opened a COVID-19 Call Center at 1-866-779-6121. Agents will answer questions around the clock. Questions may also be emailed to covid-19@flhealth.gov. Email responses will be sent during call center hours.

LINK: Florida's COVID-19 website

CORONAVIRUS IN FLORIDA: What you need to know

AROUND THE WORLD: CoronavirusNOW.com

Map of known COVID-19 cases:

MOBILE APP USERS: Click here for map