Restaurant surcharges

[scottomjs]

Re: Gator Article in the Briefs, Feb 12, The Daily Sun

I am so glad that Gators restaurant management decided they didn’t want to lay off any workers because of Obamcare, so instead they are going to make their customers pay for it by adding a 1% percent surcharge to every bill.
Are they kidding me?

Isn’t it bad enough United Healthcare no longer pays Medicare premiums for supplemental insurance in Marion, Sumter and Lake Counties so they can be the sole healthcare provider in the health centers in he Villages (that money now being paid to The Villages as a fee for the privilege). This little “fee’ change added around $96 more taken out of everyone’s social security check who resides in those counties. Somehow that doesn’t seem legal to me o at least fair. Why should we pay for a privilege that benefits them?
Are we now to be faced with surcharges and additional fees at restaurants and other establishments to help defray medical costs? .
How about we agree to Boycott any establishment that puts a surcharge on their bill for that purpose?
So what is small business telling us? They can’t afford Obamacare without laying off employees. Am I the only one that thinks this is a problem?
We are slowly going form the Friendliest place in the world to the most nickel and dimed place in the world.
Michael Scotto,

[rayschic]

Re: Gator Article in the Briefs, Feb 12, The Daily Sun

I am so glad that Gators restaurant management decided they didn’t want to lay off any workers because of Obamcare, so instead they are going to make their customers pay for it by adding a 1% percent surcharge to every bill.
Are they kidding me?

Isn’t it bad enough United Healthcare no longer pays Medicare premiums for supplemental insurance in Marion, Sumter and Lake Counties so they can be the sole healthcare provider in the health centers in he Villages (that money now being paid to The Villages as a fee for the privilege). This little “fee’ change added around $96 more taken out of everyone’s social security check who resides in those counties. Somehow that doesn’t seem legal to me o at least fair. Why should we pay for a privilege that benefits them?
Are we now to be faced with surcharges and additional fees at restaurants and other establishments to help defray medical costs? .
How about we agree to Boycott any establishment that puts a surcharge on their bill for that purpose?
So what is small business telling us? They can’t afford Obamacare without laying off employees. Am I the only one that thinks this is a problem?
We are slowly going form the Friendliest place in the world to the most nickel and dimed place in the world.
Michael Scotto,


I don't get the Daily Sun. Can you please clarify, is this RJ Gator's or Gator's Dockside ?

Anyone have a link to the article ?

Thanks.

[wendyquat]

I don't get the Daily Sun. Can you please clarify, is this RJ Gator's or Gator's Dockside ?

Anyone have a link to the article ?

Thanks.

I don't have a link but did read it this morning in the Daily Sun. It's Gators Dockside! I don't think we've seen anything yet!

[Bogie Shooter]

Re: Gator Article in the Briefs, Feb 12, The Daily Sun

I am so glad that Gators restaurant management decided they didn’t want to lay off any workers because of Obamcare, so instead they are going to make their customers pay for it by adding a 1% percent surcharge to every bill.
Are they kidding me?

Isn’t it bad enough United Healthcare no longer pays Medicare premiums for supplemental insurance in Marion, Sumter and Lake Counties so they can be the sole healthcare provider in the health centers in he Villages (that money now being paid to The Villages as a fee for the privilege). This little “fee’ change added around $96 more taken out of everyone’s social security check who resides in those counties. Somehow that doesn’t seem legal to me o at least fair. Why should we pay for a privilege that benefits them?
Are we now to be faced with surcharges and additional fees at restaurants and other establishments to help defray medical costs? .
How about we agree to Boycott any establishment that puts a surcharge on their bill for that purpose?
So what is small business telling us? They can’t afford Obamacare without laying off employees. Am I the only one that thinks this is a problem?
We are slowly going form the Friendliest place in the world to the most nickel and dimed place in the world.
Michael Scotto,

What if they added a surcharge because the cost of cooking oil went up..........what say you then?

[FlamingoFlo]

They could have added a dollar to each meal and it wouldn't have bothered me. In fact I probably would not have noticed. The surcharge does bother me.

[keithwand]

They were idiots for advertising the fact - should have tricked us into paying by raising the prices ever so slightly.

Have to agree. Pretty dumb to add a surcharge and it will probably backfire.

[OCsun]

Managing a business means managing the costs associated with doing business. A minor increase in the menu prices would not have been noticed. Publishing the need for a 1% surcharge due to a political policy, is a bad business decision.

[Tennisnut]

The 1% surcharge is not a business decision but a political statement. Most restaurants are subsidized by the government through the SNAPS program. Since their employees are paid such a low wage with little or no benefits, a fairly large percentage require their subsistence to be subsidized by the taxpayer since their employer fails to do so. And without health benrfits, they are forced to go to the emergency room where they can not denied treatment without cost. Fortunately, the Affordable Care Act will eventually at least address the shortcomings of some employers benefits program.

[Cedwards38]

The 1% surcharge is not a business decision but a political statement. Most restaurants are subsidized by the government through the SNAPS program. Since their employees are paid such a low wage with little or no benefits, a fairly large percentage require their subsistence to be subsidized by the taxpayer since their employer fails to do so. And without health benrfits, they are forced to go to the emergency room where they can not denied treatment without cost. Fortunately, the Affordable Care Act will eventually at least address the shortcomings of some employers benefits program.

That's exactly right, and I won't be going back to Gators as long as they keep this blatant politically motivated policy in place. Shame on the Gators management!

[gomoho]

And I'll say it again - shame on the for being so dumb to advertise the fact - of course this would cause an outrage - people being blatantly asked to support something many don't agree with.

Bogie - if they had a surcharge because the cost of cooking oil went up it would be just as ridiculous - you figure out a way to suck up the increase or you raise the price - you don't advertise to your customer what you are doing it for.

[Big O]

That's exactly right, and I won't be going back to Gators as long as they keep this blatant politically motivated policy in place. Shame on the Gators management!

No wonder this country is the shape it's in. A business raising prices to cover increased costs is considered politically motivated.

[Bogie Shooter]

And I'll say it again - shame on the for being so dumb to advertise the fact - of course this would cause an outrage - people being blatantly asked to support something many don't agree with.

Bogie - if they had a surcharge because the cost of cooking oil went up it would be just as ridiculous - you figure out a way to suck up the increase or you raise the price - you don't advertise to your customer what you are doing it for.

I agree.

[clekr]

Of course it's political. Haven't been there in years. Have to start going regularly!

Anyone who thought business costs were not going up due to ACA is neither incredibly naïve or mathematically challenged.

[golf2140]

Of course it's political. Haven't been there in years. Have to start going regularly!

Anyone who thought business costs were not going up due to ACA is neither incredibly naïve or mathematically challenged.

:bigbow::bigbow::bigbow::bigbow::bigbow::bigbow:

[Indydealmaker]

The 1% surcharge is not a business decision but a political statement. Most restaurants are subsidized by the government through the SNAPS program. Since their employees are paid such a low wage with little or no benefits, a fairly large percentage require their subsistence to be subsidized by the taxpayer since their employer fails to do so. And without health benrfits, they are forced to go to the emergency room where they can not denied treatment without cost. Fortunately, the Affordable Care Act will eventually at least address the shortcomings of some employers benefits program.

If you truly believe that the Affordable Care Act has a chance of accomplishing anything good, I think you need to actually try to find anyone who actually works and pays taxes who agrees with you. The only people who are being helped by Obamacare are those with low/no income and they are being shoveled onto Medicaid. Many who previously had insurance are being priced out of coverage. Those with pre-existing conditionals who thought they were going to benefit are finding out that unless they are near the poverty level, they cannot afford to make the decision between the mortgage payment and their $1,000/month insurance related costs (premiums, copays and deductibles).

I know many who have had their premium costs rise from 30% to 130%. Mine went from $380/mo to $730/mo. This does not include all of my additional expenses related to additional taxes related to Obamacare subsidies.

Also, experienced and dedicated waitstaff in restaurants like Gators earn well above minimum wage. In fact they have an opportunity to earn well above the national average income. My 16-year old grandson makes $60 to $80 per night in tips working 4 hours in a Chinese restaurant. He plans on making that much per hour by the time he gets out of college. That is what minimum wage jobs are all about. They are designed to be OJT. Work hard and move up if you have the ability and drive. If not, you do like my father and work two jobs. You do what it takes for yourself and by yourself.

[CFrance]

The 1% surcharge is not a business decision but a political statement. Most restaurants are subsidized by the government through the SNAPS program. Since their employees are paid such a low wage with little or no benefits, a fairly large percentage require their subsistence to be subsidized by the taxpayer since their employer fails to do so. And without health benrfits, they are forced to go to the emergency room where they can not denied treatment without cost. Fortunately, the Affordable Care Act will eventually at least address the shortcomings of some employers benefits program.
:BigApplause::BigApplause: Thank you. I so agree.

[zonerboy]

For what it's worth, a 1% surcharge on a $20 meal amounts to 20 cents.

[N44125]

If they are going to add this 1% surcharge I hope that they identify it on the bill as exactly what it is......OBAMA CARE SURCHARGE 1%.

[gomoho]

For what it's worth, a 1% surcharge on a $20 meal amounts to 20 cents.

Doesn't matter if it's 1/2 a cent - it is the principle.

[villagerjack]

If you truly believe that the Affordable Care Act has a chance of accomplishing anything good, I think you need to actually try to find anyone who actually works and pays taxes who agrees with you. The only people who are being helped by Obamacare are those with low/no income and they are being shoveled onto Medicaid. Many who previously had insurance are being priced out of coverage. Those with pre-existing conditionals who thought they were going to benefit are finding out that unless they are near the poverty level, they cannot afford to make the decision between the mortgage payment and their $1,000/month insurance related costs (premiums, copays and deductibles).

I know many who have had their premium costs rise from 30% to 130%. Mine went from $380/mo to $730/mo. This does not include all of my additional expenses related to additional taxes related to Obamacare subsidies.



Also, experienced and dedicated waitstaff in restaurants like Gators earn well above minimum wage. In fact they have an opportunity to earn well above the national average income. My 16-year old grandson makes $60 to $80 per night in tips working 4 hours in a Chinese restaurant. He plans on making that much per hour by the time he gets out of college. That is what minimum wage jobs are all about. They are designed to be OJT. Work hard and move up if you have the ability and drive. If not, you do like my father and work two jobs. You do what it takes for yourself and by yourself.
::bigbow::bigbow::bigbow::bigbow:

[Happinow]

[quote=villagerjack;828276]::bigbow::bigbow::bigbow::

[Happinow]

If you truly believe that the Affordable Care Act has a chance of accomplishing anything good, I think you need to actually try to find anyone who actually works and pays taxes who agrees with you. The only people who are being helped by Obamacare are those with low/no income and they are being shoveled onto Medicaid. Many who previously had insurance are being priced out of coverage. Those with pre-existing conditionals who thought they were going to benefit are finding out that unless they are near the poverty level, they cannot afford to make the decision between the mortgage payment and their $1,000/month insurance related costs (premiums, copays and deductibles).

I know many who have had their premium costs rise from 30% to 130%. Mine went from $380/mo to $730/mo. This does not include all of my additional expenses related to additional taxes related to Obamacare subsidies.

Also, experienced and dedicated waitstaff in restaurants like Gators earn well above minimum wage. In fact they have an opportunity to earn well above the national average income. My 16-year old grandson makes $60 to $80 per night in tips working 4 hours in a Chinese restaurant. He plans on making that much per hour by the time he gets out of college. That is what minimum wage jobs are all about. They are designed to be OJT. Work hard and move up if you have the ability and drive. If not, you do like my father and work two jobs. You do what it takes for yourself and by yourself.


:bigbow::bigbow::bigbow::bigbow::bigbow:

[Mikiem]

If you read the notice, it clearly states it can increase prices or charge 1% surcharge. I feel they are being honest by letting you know that there is a surcharge. Would you feel better if the increased food prices by 10%. I would not. I thank them for their honesty.

[Bogie Shooter]

If you read the notice, it clearly states it can increase prices or charge 1% surcharge. I feel they are being honest by letting you know that there is a surcharge. Would you feel better if the increased food prices by 10%. I would not. I thank them for their honesty.

Why did they have to say anything? Because they wanted to make a political statement.

[buggyone]

Personally, I think Gators Dockside just wanted to make a statement they will not change workers to part time so they can get away with not giving medical coverage and that they are the good guys while other establishments are not the good guys.

Well, I guess Gators Dockside is too expensive to enjoy a beer at anymore. That extra 3 cents is going to make a big difference.

I don't go to Gators Dockside anyhow. I prefer RJ Gators or Cody's anyday.

[TraceyMooreRN]

Personally, I think Gators Dockside just wanted to make a statement they will not change workers to part time so they can get away with not giving medical coverage and that they are the good guys while other establishments are not the good guys.

Well, I guess Gators Dockside is too expensive to enjoy a beer at anymore. That extra 3 cents is going to make a big difference.

I don't go to Gators Dockside anyhow. I prefer RJ Gators or Cody's anyday.

I am not sure how they are going to "get away with not giving medical coverage". I have heard most companies are actually cutting hours of all of the part-time employees so they don't meet the quota of needed hours for the month. Hiring more staff-but at less required hours= not having the employer contribute to any health care plan. I didn't read the article--but maybe I am still confused like most people regarding this subject.

I will share I met with someone recently- explained to me she wanted to have a colonoscopy due to family history of colon cancer. She was not working and had no health insurance. She was told she didn't qualify for Obamacare and was too young for Medicare (60). She made too much for Medicaid. Sad--all she wanted was a screening to prevent a possible cancer. She actually said "I guess if I have colon cancer by the time I get Medicare, it will be too late." :ohdear:

[mherzberg]

I see no difference in what Gators is doing compared to other industries: airlines: fuel surcharge, telephone companies: 911 and "free phone" surcharges, and utilities (taxes) - because these imposed healthcare costs ARE taxes. I like honesty and Gators has apparently decided to operate honestly. On the other hand, had they simply raised prices, I wouldn't fault them for that either - when the COST of business rises there are only three options: 1) Cut Costs; 2) Raise Prices or 3) Close the doors and go out of business. I'll be back at Gators for the great food - AND their honesty!

[wendyquat]

If you truly believe that the Affordable Care Act has a chance of accomplishing anything good, I think you need to actually try to find anyone who actually works and pays taxes who agrees with you. The only people who are being helped by Obamacare are those with low/no income and they are being shoveled onto Medicaid. Many who previously had insurance are being priced out of coverage. Those with pre-existing conditionals who thought they were going to benefit are finding out that unless they are near the poverty level, they cannot afford to make the decision between the mortgage payment and their $1,000/month insurance related costs (premiums, copays and deductibles).

I know many who have had their premium costs rise from 30% to 130%. Mine went from $380/mo to $730/mo. This does not include all of my additional expenses related to additional taxes related to Obamacare subsidies.

Also, experienced and dedicated waitstaff in restaurants like Gators earn well above minimum wage. In fact they have an opportunity to earn well above the national average income. My 16-year old grandson makes $60 to $80 per night in tips working 4 hours in a Chinese restaurant. He plans on making that much per hour by the time he gets out of college. That is what minimum wage jobs are all about. They are designed to be OJT. Work hard and move up if you have the ability and drive. If not, you do like my father and work two jobs. You do what it takes for yourself and by yourself.


:agree: can always count on you for a well thought out, common sense answer! Thanks

[Cedwards38]

No wonder this country is the shape it's in. A business raising prices to cover increased costs is considered politically motivated.

You are absolutely correct. Thank you for that perspective.

You know, having thought about it overnight, I agree with you. The restaurant has every right to raise it's prices when it chooses. They should pass on the increased costs they incur like health insurance, electricity, food costs, labor costs, rental costs, etc. That's the way it works and I do not begrudge them for raising the prices to cover the cost of providing affordable health insurance for the hard working employees at Gators, just like other business provide it for employees.

What is political is that they felt compelled to publicly "blame" the cost increase on the Affordable Care Act. They don't blame the power company, or food providers, or the developer when those costs increase. Why make a big deal out of the increase for providing health insurance coverage for their employees? That, my friend, is what gripes me because that is political. No two ways about it.

[bonrich]

Have you had the opportunity to be in a restaurant that rounds up your bill to eliminate the change? I said up, not down. Who keeps that? The business or the waitstaff?

[Wing-nut2]

Airlines charge a fuel surcharge, cruise lines charge a fuel charge and their up front about, so what's the big deal about a restaurant being up front about a AFC charge? I'll still go there, and because their honest about it and don't try to hide it.

[LndLocked]

It is without question a political statement .... my level of future patronage will be a similar one.

[Barefoot]

"...We are slowly going form the Friendliest place in the world to the most nickel and dimed place in the world...."

My favorite subject in all it's glory. Taking an isolated incident and reporting it as a general condition.. REALLY? ......what the :cus: does that have to do with our life style? ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!!!

Another attempt at using the technique of making a banquet out of a ham sandwich. Must be an ex-media reporter!!!

That is not what I said. The point was obviously missed.

I get your point and agree with it. Isolated incidents are often used to justify a comment that our lifestyle in general is deteriorating. Usually accompanied by the comment "Sure doesn't seem like Florida's friendliest home town".

[JourneyOfLife]

Surcharges are sometimes applied by certain businesses to reflect temporary price increases due to temporary economic conditions rather than reprice their products or services temporarily. We are all familiar with fuel surcharges.

Normal business costs are just typically embedded in the price of the service or product. In the case of a restaurant, the cost of the meal.

It is political grandstanding by some restaurants. They may be hoping to spur anger from customers for their political goals (sign of protest).

Bottom line, it is spurring anger from customers alright.... But the anger is targeted at the restaurants more than anything else.

Some of the restaurants that did it, ended up back peddled quickly as they began losing business from irate customers because of the surcharge.

Why are those customers angry? Various reasons. Some recognize it for what it is. There are probably as many angry on each side of the political boundary. Some because they do not like the law, others because they know the restaurant is attempting to manipulate them.

Still, quite a number surmise... If you are going to charge me more, I will go somewhere where there is no surcharge.


Most large businesses are saavy enough to avoid that sort controversy out of fear of losing business permanently. They would consider it to be a public relations nightmare. Bottom line; Nothing to gain, but will probably lose some customers permanently that feel strongly about it!

[buggyone]

I am not sure how they are going to "get away with not giving medical coverage". I have heard most companies are actually cutting hours of all of the part-time employees so they don't meet the quota of needed hours for the month. Hiring more staff-but at less required hours= not having the employer contribute to any health care plan. I didn't read the article--but maybe I am still confused like most people regarding this subject.

I will share I met with someone recently- explained to me she wanted to have a colonoscopy due to family history of colon cancer. She was not working and had no health insurance. She was told she didn't qualify for Obamacare and was too young for Medicare (60). She made too much for Medicaid. Sad--all she wanted was a screening to prevent a possible cancer. She actually said "I guess if I have colon cancer by the time I get Medicare, it will be too late." :ohdear:

Perchance I was not clear in my statement. What I meant was Gators Dockside was not going to change their employees to part time in order not to give medical insurance. This is a good thing for Gators Dockside.

In regards to the person wanting a colonoscopy who did not have health insurance - not working and told she did not qualify for ACA? Why not? She made too much for Medicaid and not working?

If she was so anxious for the colonoscopy and "made too much for Medicaid", why not pay for it out of pocket? I believe the going price is about $1500. Definitely worth it if so worried.

[graciegirl]

With the cost of food at the grocery, I am looking for some higher prices at the local restaurants here. Just makes common sense. We are really lucky to have such low prices for menu items. But it can't last forever.

[LI SNOWBIRD]

That's exactly right, and I won't be going back to Gators as long as they keep this blatant politically motivated policy in place. Shame on the Gators management!

I'm out too. I think that they should have done a gradual price increase but not have customers blatantly subsidize their workforce.

[Bonny]

Re: Gator Article in the Briefs, Feb 12, The Daily Sun

I am so glad that Gators restaurant management decided they didn’t want to lay off any workers because of Obamcare, so instead they are going to make their customers pay for it by adding a 1% percent surcharge to every bill.
Are they kidding me?

Isn’t it bad enough United Healthcare no longer pays Medicare premiums for supplemental insurance in Marion, Sumter and Lake Counties so they can be the sole healthcare provider in the health centers in he Villages (that money now being paid to The Villages as a fee for the privilege). This little “fee’ change added around $96 more taken out of everyone’s social security check who resides in those counties. Somehow that doesn’t seem legal to me o at least fair. Why should we pay for a privilege that benefits them?
Are we now to be faced with surcharges and additional fees at restaurants and other establishments to help defray medical costs? .
How about we agree to Boycott any establishment that puts a surcharge on their bill for that purpose?
So what is small business telling us? They can’t afford Obamacare without laying off employees. Am I the only one that thinks this is a problem?
We are slowly going form the Friendliest place in the world to the most nickel and dimed place in the world.
Michael Scotto,

Wow, it amazes me the life a topic takes on sometimes.
What bothers me is the reference to somewhat blaming the Villages !
Reading the statement...
" We are slowly going from the Friendliest place in the world to the most nickel and dimed place in the world. "
What does this surcharge have to do with the Villages ? Maybe I'm reading this wrong.

[CassieInVa]

None of this even matters at this point! Employers won't have to participate in purchasing healthcare for employees now until 2016 - it was just announced this past week.

[janmcn]

None of this even matters at this point! Employers won't have to participate in purchasing healthcare for employees now until 2016 - it was just announced this past week.


It will be interesting to see if Gator's still imposes the surcharge, even though they don't have to participate for almost two years.

Isn't it only employers with over 50 employees that have to participate? It would be interesting to find out how many people Gator's employs.

[JourneyOfLife]

It will be interesting to see if Gator's still imposes the surcharge, even though they don't have to participate for almost two years.

Isn't it only employers with over 50 employees that have to participate? It would be interesting to find out how many people Gator's employs.

Gator’s Dockside Locations (http://www.gatorsdockside.com/locations.asp)

Looks like 21 locations.

[jim1941]

I was at Gator's Dockside last night after the Katie Belle's Show.
Two beers and mozzarella sticks came to $6.96.
Sales Tax $.52 + ACA Surcharge $.07 for a total of $7.55.

Seven cents will not keep me out of Gators!

[DAWN MARIE]

We went to CA and saw a surcharge but it must have been more than 1% because it was $2-3. When I asked about it, was told it was for Health Care costs for the wait staff. So we just included that as part of the tip and gave that much less in the tip. Since we were ordering for 4 and usually give 20%...I'm sure it wasn't much noticed. But again, for me it was the whole idea. Nobody gives me a surcharge for my rising healthcare costs. Why do I have to pay for others? I'm sure this 1% will rise...this is only the beginning.

[JourneyOfLife]

In the end, no matter how it is done, costs will be shifted to consumers.

Restaurants can probably approach it many ways.

But if they disadvantage their employees with their method, they will lose the good employees that can get a better deal with another restaurant, and retain employees that have more trouble getting another job.