wsj.com
www.wsj.com

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.

Non-paywall link

  • gnomesaiyan@lemmy.worldEnglish
    11·
    14 hours ago

    I am a big believer in tipping and always tip the same way: I start at 18-20% and go down from there, based on service, friendliness, and food quality.

    That said, I go out a lot less post-Covid, as the quality of the experience isn’t what it used to be. I tend to stick to poke and sushi nowadays, as it tends to be fresher and the service better.

      • AA5B@lemmy.world
        2·
        2 hours ago

        The server doesn’t get you seated. In many places they don’t bring your food. They don’t cheat the table. They don’t prep the food or wash the dishes

          • AA5B@lemmy.world
            1·
            4 minutes ago

            The point is there are a lot of people who work together to provide good service at a restaurant. Why does the person who takes my order deserve a tip while the rest don’t?

      • Romkslrqusz@lemm.ee
        5·
        10 hours ago

        Food establishments I am familiar with see tips split/shared between front of house (servers, host, etc) and back of house (kitchen staff)

      • gnomesaiyan@lemmy.worldEnglish
        1·
        11 hours ago

        I’m going to assume you are referring to the food quality being part of the tip. While the server isn’t directly responsible for that, their presentation and delivery of the order, as well as attitude and reaction to what I might send back and the resolution thereof, is. If they go out of their way to make me happy, for better or worse, they did their job correctly and deserve the tip.