Which should be a crime, by the way. Both the ridiculously low wage, as well as trying to pass it to the customer. Next thing you know, the cook's salary will be listed, too.

Oh don't worry, you are! In many states, the first chunk of tips goes to cover the employee contribution. Essentially the waiter makes either tips or hourly, which ever is higher, so until the tips are larger than the base pay, your tips are really just saving the employer money. Does this make sense? No. Is it common in states not called California and New York? Absolutely!