Is it time to GET RID of tips?

**no1_vern** · July 28th, 2010, 06:07 AM

I happen to see this as a move in the right direction. Do you think we should get rid of tips and pay the employees a decent wage?
Jacksonville's Popular Chicago Pizza Restaurant Makes Tip Automatic | Firstcoastnews.com | Local News

Jacksonville's Popular Chicago Pizza Restaurant Makes Tip Automatic

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Chicago Pizza is one of the hottest pizza joints in town, but some customers got quite a shock when their bills arrived.

"We had the automatic gratuity put on there, 15 percent," said diner Paul Sollee.

That 15 percent tip is now the standard for any Chicago Pizza customer. Signs advising customers of the change are posted, but are missed by some.

"It was pretty surprising because normally you add gratuity to a table of six, eight or more," said Jason Sledge.

But size doesn't matter anymore. While the menu says a table of six or more will automatically have a gratuity added, actually now every single table will have it, despite the number of eaters.

Chicago Pizza's manager, Jim Demarco, says it's all about taking care of his workers.

"We took a chance at doing this. This could alienate people; we understand that, but it's really important for us to take care of our people," said Demarco.

Insurance is what it boils down to for the restaurant. In 2014, healthcare will be required for these workers. Chicago Pizza is just getting a head start.

Workers used to get paid $4.25 an hour plus tips. But starting two weeks ago, they now get a regular paycheck at $7.25 an hour and a share of that tip.

Should we nix tips, and pay a decent wage to employees?

**HMMurdock** · July 28th, 2010, 06:15 AM

YES!
Stop expecting your customers to make up for your cheap-skated-ness.
However, the story, with it's "auto-tip" is crap. I give tips based on quality of service. Adding 15% automatically is just plain wrong. Just jack up the price 15% get rid of the "gratuity".

**pickel** · July 28th, 2010, 06:52 AM

No tips here. We cook at home or get Chinese once in a while. I can make a HEALTHY dinner for four for less than $10.00.

**Steve R Jones** · July 28th, 2010, 07:13 AM

I often tip more then 15% so I'd save money on this deal.

BUT, if I got poor service and or poor pizza after being auto tip charged - The MGR best give me my meal for free to stop me from SCREAMING REAL LOUD.

**RicheemxX** · July 28th, 2010, 08:57 AM

Tips are a gratuity they should not be a mandate, if you want to pay your workers more then that's up to you but don't force me to pay their wages because you don't want to effect your bottom line!! I've worked several food industry jobs and worked my ass off to make good tips, I never once expected a tip and it pisses me off to here others complain when they don't get one.

Workers used to get paid $4.25 an hour plus tips. But starting two weeks ago, they now get a regular paycheck at $7.25 an hour and a share of that tip.

$4.25/hr that's almost like slave labor.

**Chuckiechan** · July 28th, 2010, 10:38 AM

In a perfect world...

Bottom line is there are pluses and minuses. Most places pay minimum wage with the expectation that tips make up the difference. In some cases they do, but in many they don't.

Two people with Tips + beverages = one extra uninvited dinner guest!

I'm not all that hot on the "gratuity added" - many times people don't notice and get slammed twice. Don't expect anyone to tell you that you are "double tipping".

**no1_vern** · May 10th, 2011, 06:30 PM

This picture is for all the people who "tip" without really crunching the numbers themselves.

**pickel** · May 10th, 2011, 06:40 PM

That's why I ALWAYS pay with CASH ( When we do go out to eat) And, personally, hand the gratuity directly to the server, discretely. It's none of anyone else's business. Especially the IRS.

**Gomer** · May 10th, 2011, 06:54 PM

Originally Posted by no1_vern

This picture is for all the people who "tip" without really crunching the numbers themselves.

I feel sorry for the idiot who thought that a cash register attended school at some point in the past.

**Theophylact** · May 10th, 2011, 07:11 PM

In France and Italy, the service charge is generally included (and it's less than 15%). In France, you usually know before you enter the restaurant what it'll be, because it's posted on the menu outside.

**sharder8** · May 10th, 2011, 08:00 PM

Originally Posted by pickel

That's why I ALWAYS pay with CASH ( When we do go out to eat) And, personally, hand the gratuity directly to the server, discretely. It's none of anyone else's business. Especially the IRS.

Likewise!

Harder