Originally Posted by
cordelli
I would think one reason is the size of the party. Why should a waiter make the same for serving a party of 8 as he does serving a party of two? Both are in the restaurant about the same amount of time.
With a flat hourly rate, these are all included. So the owner needs to have a good feel for how much the average work is at their place and pay accordingly.
Originally Posted by
cordelli
The other reason of course, if they did that they would have to raise the cost of the food to cover the meals. People wouldn't like that. For whatever reason, they don't look at a restaurant as the total cost to get out the door, they look at the cost of the entrees.
If all restaurants abolished tipping then this would not be an issue. But you are right it is an issue if only some restaurants do it and not others. On the other hand, only frugal/cheap type of people look at menu prices. These are the type who would appreciate not having to tip.