- cross-posted to:
- news@lemmy.ca
- cross-posted to:
- news@lemmy.ca
Summary
Tipping in U.S. restaurants has dropped to 19.3%, the lowest in six years, driven by frustration over rising menu prices and increased prompts for tips in non-traditional settings.
Only 38% of consumers tipped 20% or more in 2024, down from 56% in 2021, reflecting tighter budgets.
Diners are cutting back on outings, spending less, and tipping less. Some restaurants are adding service fees, further reducing tips.
Worker advocacy groups are pushing to eliminate the tipped-wage system, while the restaurant industry warns these shifts hurt business and employees.
Key cities like D.C. and Chicago are phasing in higher minimum wages for tipped workers.
I wouldn’t say they’re more often flush, though. Olympia is getting as expensive to live in as Seattle and service industry folks can’t live alone in that city, they’re still going to need roommates. The cheapest studios in the area are around $1200 which would require someone making more like $20 an hour to qualify to be able to rent it on their own.
Olympia is the state capitol so service industry jobs are about the only jobs outside of government jobs. It’s probably more likely decently paid government employees being decent people.