[redwitch]

I've tipped at Dunkin' Donuts, BK, etc., but it was for truly exceptional service. Otherwise, I don't. I know they only get minimum wage there, but, sadly, that is their skill set. Servers at restaurants, on the other hand, do not get minimum wage.

And SWR, you're right -- it would be nice if servers would get the minimum wage and tips would rightfully get to them. Hostesses, expediters (they check the plates before servers take them to customers to ensure it is the proper order, etc.), busboys, dishwashers, those working takeout (takeout customers rarely tip even though it is more work to bag the food than it is to bring it to the table) should get more than minimum wage. But, that's not the way it is. And restaurants would go out of business if they had to pay fair wages -- they can only raise prices so much before diners would go elsewhere or stay at home. What needs to change is the law that alllows restaurants to pay less than minimum wage so that it would be universal.

BTW, Crispers does pay more than minimum wage and, unless you hand the tip directly to your food deliverer and specifically state this is a tip for that server, all tips go into a tip jar for the United Way.