Some Restaurants Do Away With Tips, Raise Menu Prices Instead March 19, 2014
BALDWIN, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) — An argument that waiters and customers will be happier if tips are done away with seems to be gaining steam.
EXCEPTS: "But more and more restaurant patrons said grading the server at the end of the meal, and then doing the math, is taking away from the enjoyment of the experience. “They have no idea what is fair; what’s not fair,” said waiter Adam Panetta. “A lot of people are getting stiffed in the process.”
Owners are listening, and from California to New York, there is now a move afoot to end restaurant tipping. Customers are still paying for service as part of their overall bill. But with 15 to 20 percent higher menu prices, waitstaff is pooling the money instead."
“Everybody gets an even amount,” said waitress Erica Magliocchi. “But it’s bad, just because some people work harder than others.”
Butch Yamali runs multiple restaurants and catering halls on Long Island. He does not support the no-tipping trend, and said he wants the waitstaff rewarded individually for hard work – adding another level of service accountability. Still, he predicted no tipping is the wave of the future for busy owners.
Naturally, there is absolutely no way for a small group of responsible adults to decide amongst themselves how to split this money. However a total stranger who just walked in can do this quickly and easily. If, for example, the waitress doesn't smile enough he will punish her with an insulting tip. It's not like he knows, or cares, that the waitress's son is in hospital today with an injury.