Local Residents Plan Second Annual 'Shock and Claus' Breakfast

BOLINGBROOK, IL — One local server at a Bolingbrook restaurant will be going home with as much as a $2,000 tip this Friday, Dec. 13. A group of about 20 people is planning to give this server each a $100 tip as part of their second annual 'Shock and Claus' breakfast. The now two-year-old tradition was started by Joe Giamanco of Giamanco Law Partners in Bolingbrook, who said that he was inspired by similar events around the country.

"A friend of mine posted an article about a group that did something similar in Denver," Giamanco said. "and there are groups you see doing things like this... maybe structured a little differently, all around the country."

Giamanco said the breakfast group he organized is composed of "a combination of people," including those from the Bolingbrook business community, local lawyers, and assorted friends and family.

"It's just an easy way for us to share the Christmas spirit," he said.

The restaurant that the group is going to is still a mystery, as is the server to whom they plan to give their collective gift. Giamanco said he didn't want to reveal that information before the 13th, out of concern it would ruin the surprise. Only members of a private Facebook page Giamanco set up know all the details. Last year, the group visited the Eggs, Inc. Cafe on 278 S Weber Rd.

"We're not going to any fancy restaurant, with servers making a ton of money," Giamanco said. By email, he also addded:

"In organizing the event we also call ahead to the restaurant, speak with a manager and request to be seated with someone who could use a little extra financial help around the holidays."

Besides the general charitable intentions behind the 'Shock and Claus' breakfast, Giamanco said that helping out restaurant staff is particularly meaningful for him.

"I worked at a Denny's when I was younger... it's hard work. I know what it's like to work that job for the money [servers] get, and it's not a lot," he said