3 ms·
The thing I don't understand that mandatory fixed service charges (in lieu of tips) are already standard for large groups in many if not most US restaurants, be
by 9nGQluzmnq3M 6y ago
The thing I don't understand that mandatory fixed service charges (in lieu of tips) are already standard for large groups in many if not most US restaurants, because negotiating tips and who pays what in this situation is even more complex.
Why is it so hard to just extend this existing, well accepted practice to smaller tables?
- wenc 6y agoI think it's cultural. Minnesota is doing it though. https://www.minnesotamonthly.com/food-drink/new-restaurant-service-fees-and-tipping/ https://www.minnesotamonthly.com/food-drink/new-restaurant-s... The other issue is US consumers get confused and don't know what to do. The difference between a tip, a surcharge, and a service fee is so subtle that it's a mess to keep up with. https://laist.com/2019/08/26/restaurant_surcharge_tip_los_angeles.php https://laist.com/2019/08/26/restaurant_surcharge_tip_los_an... I think for this to work, it needs to be established as a new widespread social norm. Otherwise the confusion actually increases the friction of dining out (well pre-covid), and restaurants lose. It takes brave restaurants to risk being a casualty of confusion. A good number of restaurants might need to be sacrificed.