Pro Tip: Should Bars and Restaurants Ban Gratuities?

by Robin Shreeves on Aug 22, 2013 in Culture
Pro Tip: Should Bars and Restaurants Ban Gratuities?

“Tipping promotes and facilitates bad service,” says Jay Porter on Quartz. The former owner and operator of San Diego’s The Linkery came to this conclusion after doing away with tipping and instituting an 18% service charge on all checks, with no additional gratuity allowed. After banning tipping, the service in his restaurant improved and the restaurant made more money, he claims.

That may seem counterintuitive to Americans, but it worked for him. In a six-part series on his blog, Porter explains how “the tipless/service charge model made us more successful in every dimension.” Servers made more money. Customers received better service. The business as a whole became more profitable. Instead of each server being solely focused on earning tips, the servers were able to partner with management to give all guests a good dining experience.

Is this the start of a no-tip restaurant trend? Currently, the only other gratuity-banning restaurant of note is New York City’s Sushi Yasuda, which pays its waitstaff a salary and offers benefits — including vacation and sick time — because it follows the Japanese tradition.

How do restaurant professionals feel about this idea? We spoke with Katie Loeb, a bartender with 8 years experience who currently works at Sophia’s in South Philadelphia. She is skeptical about no-tip policies being successful in places that set a minimum wage for bartenders’ at under $3 — which includes most of the U.S.

“Would it work? I don't know,” Loeb says, “Many people simply refuse to go to a restaurant that automatically adds a service charge — they see it as a control issue. For me, I like tipping — it provides incentive to give excellent service because I have an instant indicator of when I've gone above and beyond.” says Loeb.  

Loeb also points out getting rid of tipping would really take an overhaul of the entire tax system.  “Employers that pay federal, state and local business and wage taxes are a powerful lobbying force,” and if minimum wages for servers goes up, so will those taxes.

What do you think? Would doing away with tipping and charging an automatic service charge work in your city or town? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter.

Photos by Danya Henninger

Recent Articles
spacer

Feedback

How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!

*Name:
*E-mail:
*Suggestions:
 
Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

For this exciting installment of Behind the Bar, we had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Liana Oster, the head bartender at Dante in New Yo...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jan 7, 2020
Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

PBR has launched their own whiskey. Let's keep an open mind and see what is inside this bottle....read more ›

by Carrie Dow Sep 24, 2019
The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

There's a new investigative series about one of the biggest scandals to ever hit the wine world....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Sep 13, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Store Rectangle
Try These Summer Cocktails This Season in D.C.

Try These Summer Cocktails This Season in D.C.

It's officially summertime in the city, and we can't think of a better way to cool off from DC's heat and humidity than with a cold, boozy cocktail in...read more ›

by Lanna Nguyen Jul 31, 2019
Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Scientists may have discovered a more environmentally friendly way to make one of the world's most popular spi...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jul 23, 2019
Drink a Classic Cocktail for a Good Cause During Negroni Week, June 24-30

Drink a Classic Cocktail for a Good Cause During Negroni Week, June 24-30

Negroni Week 2019 is June 24-30, so drink this classic cocktail for a good cause....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jun 19, 2019
What to Do if Your Uber, Lyft, or Cab Driver Ever Strays From Your Destination or Makes You Feel in Danger

What to Do if Your Uber, Lyft, or Cab Driver Ever Strays From Your Destination or Makes You Feel in Danger

If you're taking an Uber, Lyft, or cab and feel unsafe, there are steps you can take to protect yourself....read more ›

by Nina Starner Jun 19, 2019
D.C.'s Best Wine Bars

D.C.'s Best Wine Bars

Whether you're a wino or a wine novice, DC is home to a number of wine bars perfect for casual sipping or for expanding your palate. ...read more ›

by Lanna Nguyen May 29, 2019
Behind the Bar: Kat Corbo of The Study & Winner of Speed Rack 2019

Behind the Bar: Kat Corbo of The Study & Winner of Speed Rack 2019

This time on Behind the Bar, we spoke to Kat Corbo of The Study, who recently won Speed Rack 2019....read more ›

by The Drink Nation May 15, 2019
Where to Drink Outside in D.C. During Summer 2019

Where to Drink Outside in D.C. During Summer 2019

Patio weather has arrived! Grab your friends, stake a spot at the bar and take advantage of these outdoor spots for drinking and dining. ...read more ›

by Lanna Nguyen May 14, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Home Bar Project Bottom Rectangle 2
View all Articles

Sign up to get weekly drinking news, bar reviews, events and more sent directly to your inbox!

Close