I think the way it really happened was this:
A large church group monopolized a dining section of the restaurant, just as many other sorts of groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous after a meeting, for example, and like many large groups, they rudely and inconveniently asked for separate checks.
And like many other sorts of large groups, they probably didn't tip; it's easier to get out of tipping if one's of a crowd, rather than only a couple or three people.
After that, the rest is all bullshit.