A shocked Kelly Carter said a white couple had written on their receipt: “Great service don’t tip place people”. 

The vile note was found scribbled underneath the $30.52 bill for the pair’s burritos after dining at the restaurant in Virginia, US, on Saturday morning. 

Ms Carter, who has worked at Anita’s New Mexico Style Cafe for several years,  said the incident had left her stunned. 

“It was just total shock, that's all that I can say," she told WRCTV. 

She continued: "I looked at the receipt three times is what I did. Because I was shocked. Because I’ve never, never being a server seen that.” 

A photograph of the receipt was tweeted by a local branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. 

It read: “Hatred will not be tolerated and we will not keep quiet. This has been confirmed and did happen per Mgr @ Anita's in Ashburn.”

Ms Carter said the couple had even complimented on the breakfast she had served them.

Although clearly upset by the incident, she told reporters that she would still serve the couple again, adding "one hateful remark cannot stop me". 

“My arms are still opened to him - he only hurt himself. He only makes me stronger,” she said. 

Since the incident, an outpouring of support has come in for the waitress. 

The restaurant’s owner described Ms Carter as a “loyal employee” and said he was “appalled” by what he saw. 

“Her philosophy and customer service is phenomenal and we’re really happy to have her,” Tommy Tellez said. 

Members of the public have also rallied round Ms Carter with many even visiting the restaurant to donate money to her. 

An online fundraising page set up for the waitress has already raised over $2,000.