http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/articl...le-5843781.php

5 SF Bay Area restaurants will be replacing the tipping system with a fixed 20% service charge. Berkeley's famous Chez Panisse has had a fixed charge in lieu for years. I can't say I'm opposed to it (leaving the particular % out of the discussion). Furthermore being very familiar with one on the list, and somewhat familiar with another, these are places where management won't stand for slackers that now don't have tip incentive (but will have higher wages).

This is the first that I've seen this among mid-range dining establishments, and wonder if it is the start of a trend, or already taken hold in other parts of the USA. I'm leaving the "you're not important enough to eat here and you need a ticket which costs what your mortgage payment costs" dining establishments out of the conversation.

Thoughts?