Are you a server or bartender?

Question

If you haven't seen it, there is a show on the food network called "$40 A Day". Basically Rachael Ray travels the country and tells people how to find great little places to eat. I like the show, but as a server, I am APPALLED when Rachael Ray reveals how much "tax and tip" is. The show does not encourage 20% tips, and frequently less that $2 is left for tax and tip. As servers, we need to get together and let the Food Network know that they are setting a bad example for the community that watches their show. I found a comment section on the $40 A Day website. Here is the link. Please send them a little note to let them know if you are upset by this. Thanks! Hopefully we can get them to make a change and leave a decent tip!!

http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/about_us/text/0,1904,FOOD_9777_8595,00.html

Answer 1

GREAT CALL!!! If the food network is interested in maintaining continued good service in restaurants they should encourage appropriate tipping. Wether she realizes it or not, if the tipping goes down, so will the quality of server. Eventually they'll recieve Mcdonalds service.

Answer 2

I absolute feel the same way. I watched the show a few times at my friends house and could not believe what a cheap skate she is. I understand the point is to go out and get your money's worth but, I've always said, if you have to ask how much something is in a restaurant or can't tip accordingly, then you really can't afford to be there. As a professional she should be embarassed to even show what she is tipping. If I worked at a restaurant and saw her there with her crew and she gave me a lousy tip, I'd thank her for coming but I'd ask her the same question. I don't agree with the percentage deal usually, I mean if I go to breakfast and my bill is 8.00, I'm not going to leave anything less than 4 or 5 in tip. I also feel it's not fair to order a meal that involves the same amount of service work but because the food costs 60.00 I should have to leave at least 9.00 without feeling cheap, but I never leave less than 15% after being in the biz.

Answer 3

Done !!
Thanks for the heads-up !
I sent a polite comment stating the obvious, much like you did.
I do think most people are under educated on this topic and the rest, just don't care, sad but true.
And don't you just love those who say we should all get a "better" job? Service everywhere would be crap if that were the case. And we probably make more than any idiot who would say that anyway !!

Answer 4

As a general rule, I think that the tip should equal the amount of tax you are paying on the bill. 15% is usually plenty, but of course, this will depend on the service. It may be higher or lower. If I get a waiter that is not very friendly, customer service focused, maybe he gets the order wrong, or never comes back to check on us, let me tell ya...you should be happy to get $2 because that is likely more than what you would get...and quite frankly, maybe deserve.

Answer 5

I think if you provide good service that a good tip usually follows. Don't expect a tip if your service is lousy. Remember, you choose your profession and the risk of bad tippers.

Also, if you are spending less than $40.00 a day on food, the tip most likely would be less than $2.00 since it is not "$40.00 a Meal". Besides, who pays a tip on the tax amount? The tip should only be paid on the actual food and drink cost.

Answer 6

Thanks for the info.
That is ridiculous. People are so cheap. If they can't pay a decent tip, they should eat fast food. I have seen people leave $2.00 tip on a $60.00 meal!! Senior citizens seem to be the worst offenders.

Answer 7

I concur completely...people who say "no" are just as cheap as Rachel Ray and have most likely never waited tables. They just don't get it!

Answer 8

No

Answer 9

no