what about it is weird?
our servers are generally paid 2-3 dollars an hour, and they make all their income base on tips. people who work in service industry generally prefer it, as it allows them to dodge taxes by underreporting their tip income. it does create a bit of a feast of famine in the service industry, as if you can get a lucrative dinner shift at a higher end restaurant, you can make a good living, which is otherwise in accessible to people without degrees or specialized skills.