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[–] 54 points 2 months ago (5 children)

How come nobody talks about that service fee.

What is that even supposed to be? Is that an arbitrary increase to all prices because fuck you?

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  • [–] 30 points 2 months ago (3 children)

    Some restaurants in the US will charge gratuity/service fees. It's basically a scam, where the restaurant just forces you to pay extra so their menu prices seem lower, and then that money doesn't even need to go to the waitstaff like a normal tip. Not to say it doesn't happen, but I don't think anywhere around me charges a mandatory gratuity to every single customer, usually just to large parties where they will require more space and likely stay longer.

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  • [–] 10 points 2 months ago (2 children)

    Just got back from a florida vacation with my family and my parents (7 total). Just about every place we went had the "mandatory large party gratuity" which was 18%. Honeslty felt relieved that was their expectation because i usually tip more than that

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  • [–] 7 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) (1 child)

    American restaurants are so fucked up it's unbelievable.

    In Europe, restaurants are mandated by law to show final price on menus - including all taxes. Zero math: if I order a €9 plate, that's exactly what I'm expected to pay, period. I might let them keep the change from a €10 note if they were particularly friendly or the food was better than expected.

    Edit: that "large parties fee" is particularly stupid. If I'm making reservations for a larger group, I'll probably discuss a menu with them ahead of time. This way they get to prepare ahead of time, and I get a cheaper price.

    Also why not go in as 4 + 3 instead of 7, and avoid the fee altogether?

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  • [–] 1 point 2 months ago*

    why not go in as 4+3 instead of 7

    Because i want to be with my family?

    And you don't avoid the fee. You just tip 18 or 20% anyway. This way it just goes straight on your bill instead

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