As the FIFA World Cup draws international visitors to host cities, some restaurants are implementing automatic gratuities. Concerns about guests from countries with different tipping norms have driven this decision. Last month, the Missouri Restaurant Association suggested Kansas City apply a 20% automatic tip during the tournament.
Now, cities like Atlanta and Philadelphia are joining. According to Food & Wine, these restaurants aim to protect employees dependent on tips while reducing confusion. Many will provide clear notices about the gratuity surcharge.
Bob Riekhof of Kansas City’s La Bodega emphasizes effective communication, stating, “We’ll post it on menus and in the restaurant.” The intention is to avoid staff having to explain tipping customs personally.
Ben Fileccia of the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association supports this approach. Notices aim to smooth transactions by avoiding awkward conversations.
Despite this, some worry about consumer reactions. David Henkes from Technomic warns of potential backlash if customers perceive costs have increased without clear communication. “Restaurant traffic has been declining, and anything seen as raising costs risks backlash,” he explains.
Michele Bermuvez of Atlanta’s Brewhouse Café acknowledges potential resistance but finds the measure crucial for staff welfare. “It’ll streamline things,” she notes.
Contrastingly, not all restaurants agree. Robert Mahon of Mahon Hospitality chooses not to alter tipping policies, preferring that tips reflect service quality. At their New York City pub, they offer $6 Guinness pints to attract patrons.
The debate sheds light on whether protecting staff from tipping culture differences needs automatic charges or if exceptional service and clear pricing suffice for voluntary tipping.