As people everywhere basked in the spirit of the giving season, one Houston bartender felt the love in a major way when rapper Post Malone left a generous $20,000 tip for her on Christmas Eve.
The decorated singer, producer, and songwriter was in town over the holiday to perform at NRG Stadium alongside Beyonce during the NFL half-time show as the Texans took on the Baltimore Ravens on Christmas Day. Like so many, he ventured out for a spirited evening the night before Christmas, hitting the casual Galleria-area haunt, the Railyard, with fellow artist and producer, Shaboozey.
The duo spent the evening on the bar’s outdoor patio, raising a glass with fans and bar regulars, with patrons eager to buy Malone’s drinks. With no tab of his own at the end of the night, the superstar requested a bill so he could provide a tip. A minimal $1 charge was rung up, and Malone himself signed the receipt, scribbling in $20,000 as the gratuity for his bartender, Renee Brown. Brown noticed the welcome surprise when she closed out her shift that night. The $1 receipt was brought to a total of $20,001, signed by Malone himself.
The gesture was a meaningful one for Brown, who is a single mother that maintains two jobs while also homeschooling her daughter. “I try to go above and beyond to take care of all of our customers, and loved seeing them interact with Post Malone when he visited—he was so genuine and made everyone feel comfortable,” said Brown. “His generosity with this life-changing gift blew me away. This definitely wasn’t the Christmas Eve I was expecting, but one I’m forever thankful to have had.”
With the Railyard’s central locale near the Galleria and ultra-relaxed atmosphere, it is the epitome of a beloved neighborhood gem where all are welcome. Beyond its sea of regulars, the bar has seen its fair share of big name guests over the years, including David Spade and Keifer Sutherland.
For the Railyards’ owner Trey Melcher, the surprise visit, and even more surprising tip, was the icing on the cake of a very sweet holiday season. “We are so grateful for Post Malone’s generosity during his visit,” said Melcher. “One of the most amazing things about this bar is that you never know who is going to walk through the door. In the past we’ve had visits from celebrities, but this unexpected act of kindness made all of our holiday seasons brighter.”
