I rarely eat out.
Maybe once a month. Went yesterday to a restaurant (Italian, Mediterranean) in West Seattle for Mother’s Day last night.
Total for 5 of us ( we don’t drink alcohol) with one salad, humus and 3 vegetarian pastas was $97
The check said 3.5% surcharge for credit card. Then 17% service fee, mandatory.
Then tips were 20% 22% and 25% optional.
I asked if I could pay in cash.
No. They don’t take cash. Then how can I avoid the credit card fee I asked.
You can’t.
So I asked why the service charge.
It pays for the employees they said.
Then why the tip I asked.
It pays for front office staff
I don’t get it.