Doesn't viagra help with that?

Your friend is extremely cheap. I've spent more money on that taking my boss out for lunch and I've only worked here for a few months.

If the boss/mentor knows this person well enough to know how cheap they are, and they show up, that might also go to show how much the boss/mentor meant to the friend in addition to the friend telling them so face to face. Just make sure he doesn't comment on how he's going to have to scrimp on toiletries for the next month since he showed up to the dinner :)

Pay up, eat well, don't ever even let a HINT of disgruntle....ment?... show its ugly face. No good can come from skipping the lunch, and your $50 might net some friends in the right places.

Plus it's just a good thing to do for someone who has helped you in your career.

My friend apparently bit the big one in deciding not to go.

I suspect that's going to be a penny-wise pound-foolish decision.

I think I am the only cheap bastard here. I think if he were close enough with the guy he could have his own goodbye lunch with him where he treats. It would be more meaningful and he would have a better opportunity to express his gratitude.

corporate management goodbyes are less about the person leaving than about those who are staying. my guess is your friend has a HUGE gaping wound in his foot and a smoking gun in his hand.