“CNN Tipping Guideline: Waiter /Waitress: 15% of bill (excl. tax) for adequate service; 20% for very good service; no less than 10% for poor service”
The Watchdog’s better half having purchased a $25 discount certificate, they visited an upscale restaurant not far from downtown.
It offered a pleasant environment, well plated and reasonably tasty food, and the service was good.
But when the check was brought, 20% of the menu price was added as a gratuity.
The Watchdog was mindful that the tip should be on pricing before the discount. Just in case he forgot, the certificate had so suggested. But a restaurant adding 20% as a gratuity seemed presumptuous. After all, what is the purpose of a tip if it is not a way for a guest to express his or her evaluation and appreciation?
Many menus will indicate a minimum gratuity for groups of six or more. Normally it will be 15%, perhaps as much as 17%. The Watchdog had never encountered a mandatory 20%.
This led him to wonder whether 5% was going to the house rather than to the server.
Involved with the management of restaurants himself, the Watchdog mentioned the matter to the host when he was invited to come back often. It wasn’t about the money and it wasn’t to make the restaurant management feel bad. It was meant as a kindness.
Someone needed to tell them. The many empty tables on a Friday evening was evidence that such arrogance was costing them business.
Post Script: When the Watchdog had visited the same restaurant about a decade ago, they had unprotected candles on the table, paper menus that were apt to catch on fire, and the emergency exit was blocked with a table against it. He reported the danger to the owner and the fire marshall. He was pleased that no such problems existed this time.
Restaurant management will be relieved to learn he does not plan to return.
Many diners (especially first dates) overlook the added gratuity to their checks and subsequently will end up “double tipping!” Servers love this!
My husband reminds me often that our first date and several after were the reasons he had issues paying his bills when “courting me!” I loved an upscale Mexican restaurant. I brought it to my husband’s attention that he didn’t have to leave a tip because it was already added to the bill!
And his response, “how can they get away with that?!” My response, “because people fail to pay attention!”