Originally Posted by
BamaVol
I don't believe this is 100% correct. I think the restaurant is obligated to pay the server the full minimum hourly wage. Here in FL, the minimum wage is $5.03 for tipped employees and $8.05 otherwise. If a tipped employee earns no tips, the restaurant is on the hook for the difference of $3.02 for each hour worked. An employee who fails to earn the minimum of $3.02/hour in tips would not be employed long in most restaurants.
You would be surprised... People often don't tip well, and large parties are usually the worst. A large table can tie up a server for well over an hour, and then tip less than $5 on a check. It's why unless the service is horrible, I always tip at least 15%.