"labor equity + healthcare" fee added to a restaurant bill

[Hiruko]

Originally Posted by G in MP

I can't imagine they could legally make this an obligatory charge w/o first disclosing it to the customer.

Reading reviews of this place, sounds like they tried all sorts of creative charges slipped into the bill. Evidently, they used to include gratuity into the bill regardless of party size. Some reviewers complained they didn't notice that on the bill, and would tip the waiter on top of that. At least this seems to have stopped being their practice.

It is usually in fine print on the menu.

In 2021, I went to a restaurant in Denver and had an unexpected dine-in surcharge of 20%. I'm a generous tipper, but I think it goes without saying that it was extremely disappointing. I reduced my tip and left negative feedback. I got a response from the owner talking about how much they were struggling with COVID-19. Aren't we all (2021)? I have to believe that extreme examples like that have become less frequent.

[Sunbiz1]

Originally Posted by Cool Arrow

You're hurting the employee not the employer and this is the act of the employer

I already tip at 20%, even when said server wasn't all that good.

If an owner cannot afford to pay living wages, I'd prefer their being transparent; by raising prices 4%...as opposed to sneaking it into the bill.
Or using fine print at the bottom of a menu few would read.

[G in MP]

I almost can't blame the owner for this shady way to raise revenue. He knows his average customer (the logan squarian) would gladly pay it, patting him/herself on the back for doing their part towards equity or whatever.

[quigboto]

Originally Posted by G in MP

I almost can't blame the owner for this shady way to raise revenue. He knows his average customer (the logan squarian) would gladly pay it, patting him/herself on the back for doing their part towards equity or whatever.

Half of Logan Square seems to work in the service industry anyways, so of course they'd support it.

[jmgg]

Originally Posted by Hiruko

It is usually in fine print on the menu.

In 2021, I went to a restaurant in Denver and had an unexpected dine-in surcharge of 20%. I'm a generous tipper, but I think it goes without saying that it was extremely disappointing. I reduced my tip and left negative feedback. I got a response from the owner talking about how much they were struggling with COVID-19. Aren't we all (2021)? I have to believe that extreme examples like that have become less frequent.

If there's a tip automatically added to my bill. whatever % it is, is the % that I discount from my 20%. If a 20% gratuity was added, I tip nothing, and never darken the door of that establishment again.