While on vacation in Maine this summer, I noticed that almost all of the restaurants added an 18% gratuity to the "bill" of those dining. This is done automatically. It is stated on the menu.
This is nothing new. It's done in many states.
Also, in many restaurants (various states) all of the servers have to "share" their tips with the hostess or host who takes them to their table, hands them their menu, etc. I would assume in better restaurants, the tip is also shared with the ones who clean off the table......or the bus boys.
The young people we've known who have worked in restaurants get very low wages.......they RELY on the tips.
We always tip generously. Would never leave such a note.
On the other side of the coin.......in a good restaurant, wait staff can do very well tip wise.........but usually after six days out of seven working and very very long hours.
A blast from the past. Back in 1968, I had a next door neighbor with two toddlers who only worked waitressing on the weekend when her husband could stay with the little ones at night........she would tell me she made $100. for the two evenings waitressing. Back in the '60s that was good. That $100. was in "tips" alone......
A young person we know now who "hostesses" tells me she makes at least $300 or more in tips alone..........plus her salary. That would be the minimum......
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