My daughter's best friend generally handles take out at the local Ruby Tuesdays. I asked my son, who cooks there, what the correct tip was. He said Terri gets waitress pay (it's like $2.50 an hour) and no tables.

So, on the one hand, the job is simpler. There are no timing issues - when to collect salad bowls and bring entrees, when to refill drinks, keeping the table clean. It's also possible to get home and find that chips weren't substituted for fries, etc. after the tip is paid.

On the other hand, the girl makes a living off her tips and she is working to develop relationships with return customers and what is required of her, she does well (like keeping food warm if the customer arrives late or harassing my son if the food's taking too long and the customer's waiting).

I've compromised and usually give her 10-15% instead of the 15-20% I leave inside. I do the same at Sonic, a drive-in place. I don't tip when I pick up Chinese or Pizza that I've called in.

Take out at casual dining chains is a growing business. I'm afraid the restaurants are taking advantage of the servers by paying them as they do. I'm sure most of you are not aware that they get paid as if they would be tipped as well as the waitresses with tables, at least at Ruby Tuesdays. I'd be curous to hear if this was not the case elsewhere.