Most tips are pooled these days...which is why you get crappy service in most places.
I have occasionally sent my compliments to the chef...but never money. It's not how it works.
A decent chef makes over $100K per year. A decent line worker makes $30 to $50K per year. We’re not talking about the kid who chops the salad fixins or the dishwasher. Those people are usually out on some sort of work release program from the state or county jail.