Zach Bryan’s $100 Tip and ‘Deep Conversation’ with NYC Doorman Amid Public Scrutiny
A New York City doorman recently shared a story about a generous tip and a surprisingly personal conversation with singer-songwriter Zach Bryan, offering a glimpse into the artist’s character as he faces public criticism. The story highlights the ofen-overlooked contributions of building staff and the impact of celebrity generosity.
Doormen are an essential, yet frequently unseen, part of life in major cities like New York. Often, interactions are limited to a polite nod or a small tip, with many residents lacking the financial means to offer ample gratuity. this is where the influence of celebrities can make a notable difference, as stories emerge of generous tips from those with the means to give back.
Leeds’ platform aims to spotlight the individuals who keep New York City functioning. In a recent interview, one doorman recounted his experience with Bryan, who resided in his building in 2022, before achieving widespread fame. “Shoutout to Zach Bryan, incidentally speaking,” the doorman said. “I hope he remembers me. When I first started in 2022… he was living here. He’s like, ‘yo, just watch my Jeep.’ And this was before he blew up. This was, like, maybe six months before he got really famous. Throws me a hundred dollars. I’m like, ‘What?’ I’ve never seen a hundred-dollar tip. Like, never. I was so humbled that day.”
The doorman described Bryan as “such a nice guy,” a sentiment that surprised Leeds,given the artist’s current public image. “Gotta say, it’s interesting that he was such a nice guy to you, ’cause he isn’t the internet’s favorite person right now,” she remarked.
The doorman acknowledged Bryan’s controversial standing, but emphasized his own positive interactions. “He’s definitely not,” he conceded. “But, me personally, the interactions that I’ve had with Zach Bryan, I’m gonna say that he was very nice to me. He was super humble, and we actually had a deep conversation about his time, like, in the Navy and stuff like that.”
Bryan’s rise to prominence with hits like “Something in the Orange” has been swift, but his reputation has recently been challenged following allegations of emotional abuse made by his former girlfriend, Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia. According to People Magazine, LaPaglia detailed her experiences on the “BFF’s Podcast,” stating, “The last year of my life has been the hardest year of my life, dealing with the abuse from this dude. I’m still scared right now as I’m scared of him.” She further alleged that Bryan attempted to silence past relationships through non-disclosure agreements, even offering her $12 million to remain quiet.
Despite these serious accusations, the doorman’s experience suggests a more nuanced picture. While the allegations, if true, represent a troubling pattern of behavior, they do not negate the possibility of individual acts of kindness. Bryan’s willingness to tip generously, even before achieving significant wealth, speaks to a sense of consideration.
This isn’t an isolated instance of Bryan’s charitable actions. In 2023, he collaborated with San Francisco 49ers player Christian McCaffrey, donating all proceeds from his song “El Dorado” to McCaffrey’s foundation supporting troops.The following year, bryan and bud Light each contributed $1 million to Folds of Honor, an institution providing scholarships to military families. Furthermore, in 2025, Bryan purchased a former church in Lowell, Massachusetts, with the intention of transforming it into the Jack Kerouac Centre.
Leeds playfully declared, “We found a Zach Bryan apologist!” The musician’s consistent philanthropic efforts suggest he may have more advocates than currently acknowledged. While public perception of Bryan is currently complex, the doorman’s story serves as a reminder that individuals are often more than the narratives presented in the media, and that even amidst controversy, acts of kindness can still shine through.
