Originally Posted by
work2fly
Given that waitstaff in California make significantly more minimum wage than in other parts of the US, why do we tip the same 15-20%?
I'd like to see restaurants pay their workers a fair wage, adjust their menu prices or impose a mandatory service charge accordingly, and ask their patrons not to tip unless it's to recognize exceptional service.
Interesting commentary on this place, that has a mandatory service charge:
http://www.yelp.com/biz/iberia-restaurant-menlo-park
Mandatory service charges were tried in a couple of restaurants I patronized frequently in the 90s. Everyone hated it except the mediocre servers. The service degraded, the good servers took a huge hit in tips, and the owners saw a steady decline in revenues.
Great servers in great restaurants make very good money. Many are well into six figures.
i think the U.S "system" is ideal.