<p>This is even news?? I’d be more worried if I owned a BK right now. This will have zero impact on Applebee’s. BTW splitting 20 checks is a waiter nightmare. If you don’t want to split the bill evenly do not go with a group.</p>
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<p>I’d disagree with that because asking for separate checks does create extra work for the waitstaff, especially when large parties are concerned. The etiquette I learned was that if your actions create extra work such as asking for separate checks, occupying a table for an extended period of time during the busy period, etc…you’re supposed to increase the tip percentage to account for that fact. </p>
<p>Then again, I am of the mind that if one orders a disproportionately expensive item like prime rib while everyone else is ordering inexpensive items like pizza in a group situation, he/she better be damned well prepared to pick up the entire check and tip to account for that discrepancy and to show he/she’s not being an inconsiderate jerk to the rest of the group. </p>
<p>Also, someone who is that inconsiderate in group settings consistently would not be invited to dine with most folks in my social circles. </p>
<p>No one wants an inconsiderate jerk who wants others to subsidize his/her disproportionately expensive meal unless it’s an exceptional occasion agreed upon previously by the group…such as the occasion is in honor of the person’s birthday.</p>
<p>I’ve eaten with many groups where everyone pays for what they ordered, plus tip. It is perfectly possible to do the math. It really depends on the relationship within the group. If you have one of those jerks who always orders steak and then expects to split the check evenly, someone needs to calmly say no. There is no way that the big spenders are not perfectly well aware of what they are doing.</p>
<p>“I like the way it’s done in Europe where there’s no tipping. The waitstaff are professionals who receive a wage and don’t require a bribe in order to provide decent service. It seems that it’s easier on everyone when it’s just built-in to the price of the meal and ensures the waitstaff will not be stiffed.”</p>
<p>I like it also but in a country like ours where even the hint of an increase in the minimum wage has certain people and businesses in an uproar, this idea is a pipe dream.</p>
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<p>There’s also a popular American argument that going to the European system would actually encourage bad service as the customer would no longer have the ability to leave a tiny/no tip for bad/extremely slow service due to the fault of the waitstaff. </p>
<p>I’ve seen this constantly brought up whenever there’s a discussion on comparing American versus European tipping practices.</p>
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<p>McDonalds, Burger King, Panera Bread, Papa Johns, Papa Gino’s, Wendy’s, KFC, Sbarro, Regina’s and thousands and thousands of other restaurants follow the model of pricing including service. It wouldn’t be a difficult transition. The tipping model is an oddity in the income tax model too.</p>
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<p>Your recourse, in the case of bad service, is the same as what you have for all of the other businesses that you deal with where there is no tipping. Talk to the manager.</p>
<p>Should we be tipping the subway operator to ensure good service?</p>
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<p>I agree. The people who frequent Applebees won’t care.</p>
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<p>Agreed. Unfortunately, that argument always comes up in such discussions and the ones advancing it won’t concede an inch.</p>
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<p>Um, none of those restaurants have any real service, unless you’re talking about delivery in which case tipping is usually customary there too.</p>
<p>I am going to come out and say it. Those of you who argue against tipping wait staff are cheap. You can make every excuse you want but that is what you are- cheap.</p>
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<p>We’re cheap?!?! What about the employer who is paying below minimum wage???</p>
<p>“McDonalds, Burger King, Panera Bread, Papa Johns, Papa Gino’s, Wendy’s, KFC, Sbarro, Regina’s and thousands and thousands of other restaurants follow the model of pricing including service. It wouldn’t be a difficult transition. The tipping model is an oddity in the income tax model too.”</p>
<p>Those are restaurants without wait service and require far fewer employees. Every time there is a hint of discussion of a min. wage increase the first thing business owners and those who speak on their behalf rail about is how they are going to have to lay off people.</p>
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<p>They take your order and they deliver your food. That is service.</p>
<p>“I agree. The people who frequent Applebees won’t care.”</p>
<p>Hey, I have eaten at Applebee’s - there is one in my town. What Applebee’s has done will surely influence my decision on where to go when we just want a bite to eat. I have stopped supporting other businesses as well when I don’t like something they have done or some policy they may have.</p>
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<p>I’m going to come out and say it Tom. You are full of S!!!.</p>
<p>I’ve already made six figures this year - why do I need to be cheap?</p>
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<p>You’ve never seen my local Dunkin Donuts. They have about 12 people working in the morning for a pretty tiny store.</p>
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<p>This isn’t a minimum wage increase. It is an anomaly in how people are paid. If we had a minimum-wage system that was consistent, we wouldn’t have this tipping model.</p>
<p>Income has NOTHING to do with being cheap. Congrats, you’ve already made at least 5x what I did last year and I almost always tip at least 20%. Maybe it’s because I understand how little they make. Is my stiffing them going to change laws? Hell no, it’s going to short the lowly workers and no one else. </p>
<p>So yes, you’re cheap if you don’t tip for decent or good service. If you don’t want to tip, cook your own food.</p>
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<p>No one’s saying the system is ideal, but it is what it is. The way it works here is that when you have waiter service, you tip. If you can’t afford those extra dollars, you don’t go out to eat. How hypocritical is it to blame the employer, but then when it’s your turn to make up the difference, you refuse to do it?</p>
<p>It’s a stupid mistake from which she should learn. I think she should just get a warning.</p>