Test your Tipping Savvy

After an enjoyable meal with good service, you receive the bill. What percentage do you tip the server?
a) 10%
b) 15%
c) 20%
d) Nothing because servers get a paycheck.

Answer: B or C. Most restaurant employees make less than minimum wage and depend on tips for the bulk of their wages. Many restaurant servers must share as much as 25% of their tips as ‘tip-out’ for bartenders, bussers, and hosts. The general rule is 15% of the gross (before coupons, discounts, gift certificates, and offers are applied) as a minimum tip if you received good service. However, many people tip 20% either because they really enjoyed their mealand service, or more likely because it is easier to calculate. Be aware that for large parties (generally 6 or more) gratuity of 18% is usually added into the bill.

Tipping in the US is expected, but in which country is tipping not the norm?
a) China
b) Australia
c) Japan
d) France

Answer: All of the above. In many countries outside of the US, gratuities are included in the bill. Always inquire about tipping traditions when you travel abroad.

As always, happy dining and HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Smoking in Restaurants

Almost a year has gone by since the smoking ban took effect in Colorado. We have heard mixed reactions to this law even a year later.

Some businesses are still angry at the fact that they can't choose whether they want to be smoking facilities or not, while others are glad that indoor smoking has been made illegal.

Among restaurant guests, some are grateful that they can go wherever they want to dine and not have to worry about second-hand smoke, while others are upset that they have to go outside (weather hot or cold) and be 20 ft from the door to light up. Some patrons feel that the smoking ban is another example of Government trampling on individual rights.

While workers are not performing their duties in smoke filled indoor areas, they are still given smoke breaks often on the clock. Non-smokers argue that they don’t get the same break times.

Has this action has hurt or benefitted business financially? Has the ban created positive health benefits for workers and/or patrons? Has the indoor ban created unfair work environments among workers? Has Government overstepped their bounds by trampling on an individual’s rights?

What are your thoughts?