Dine and dashes sicken me.

[DonH57]

It's unbelievable people do this to the mostly hard working servers. Tonight we were at Tierra Del Sol and a couple sitting next to us slipped out with their leftovers leaving the waiter stuck. The place was packed, our waiter was busting his ass to cover every one of his customers needs and these aholes decide it wasn't enough so screw him. I just wanted to post this to make others aware. I've heard this happens and I think it's despicable to do to any server or establishment. If you don't like the service do the right thing and take it up with the manager.

[BobnBev]

It's unbelievable people do this to the mostly hard working servers. Tonight we were at Tierra Del Sol and a couple sitting next to us slipped out with their leftovers leaving the waiter stuck. The place was packed, our waiter was busting his ass to cover every one of his customers needs and these aholes decide it wasn't enough so screw him. I just wanted to post this to make others aware. I've heard this happens and I think it's despicable to do to any server or establishment. If you don't like the service do the right thing and take it up with the manager.

I, for one, would have followed them and snapped a picture of their license plate

[graciegirl]

I, for one, would have followed them and snapped a picture of their license plate

I agree. Do they have NO feelings at all for others????? Both of them??? I am furious just hearing this.

[adeleb]

Do you mean they left without a tip? Or did you mean they left without paying the bill?

[Topspinmo]

Some people IMO do this to get free meal. They wait for opportunity then pounce. Usually this scam is completed by were the bathroom is placed they look for it close to the door and wait when busy and sneak out. Most restaurants combat this by placing cashier at the door and cameras. They probably had it planned from the begainning?

[BK001]

Do you mean they left without a tip? Or did you mean they left without paying the bill?

In my opinion, Dine and Dash means they left without paying the bill.

Horrific!

[DonH57]

Quite frankly they walked put and I had no idea what happened till the waiter came over to their table, picked up the tab with only the unsigned slip and he ran out and came back in obviously upset. I was watching the television and eating when this happened.

[DonH57]

Some people IMO do this to get free meal. They wait for opportunity then pounce. Usually this scam is completed by were the bathroom is placed they look for it close to the door and wait when busy and sneak out. Most restaurants combat this by placing cashier at the door and cameras. They probably had it planned from the begainning?

I've heard of it happening here in the villages and of course other places. This couple must have done this when they asked for a take home box when the server bought the check. Unfortunately I wasn't paying that much attention to them at the time so I'm of no help.

[SouthOfTheBorder]

Quite frankly they walked put and I had no idea what happened till the waiter came over to their table, picked up the tab with only the unsigned slip and he ran out and came back in obviously upset. I was watching the television and eating when this happened.

A few years ago I mistakenly walked out with my signed copy of the tab rather than the unsigned copy. Didn't discover that until I reached home 20 minutes later. I returned to the restaurant and corrected my mistake.

Hopefully the couple described by the OP made an honest mistake and will do the right thing. I like to think they will.

:thumbup:

Don

[thelegges]

When I posted a dine and dash (meaning you dine and dash out not paying the check) that happened at Fenney Grill some thought That does not happen in TV.

Those who choose this lifestyle do it well, and by the time the waitstaff realize what happened they are long gone.

So following out to the parking lot to take a pic is never going to happen.

[pauld315]

When I posted a dine and dash (meaning you dine and dash out not paying the check) that happened at Fenney Grill some thought That does not happen in TV.

Those who choose this lifestyle do it well, and by the time the waitstaff realize what happened they are long gone.

So following out to the parking lot to take a pic is never going to happen.

It is open to the public you know

[DonH57]

A few years ago I mistakenly walked out with my signed copy of the tab rather than the unsigned copy. Didn't discover that until I reached home 20 minutes later. I returned to the restaurant and corrected my mistake.

Hopefully the couple described by the OP made an honest mistake and will do the right thing. I like to think they will.

:thumbup:

Don

I would like to think this would happen but I don't believe the waiter had a card to run or at least there would be a paper trail. I can only say judging by the waiter's demeanor and actions he never got to run a credit card.

[Doro22]

Sounds like something a low life teenager would pull, not an adult Vilkager...hopefully!

[retiredguy123]

The signature really means nothing. If they provided a credit card, they would still be charged. But, if they were skipping out without paying, why would they provide a credit card in the first place? In any case, the waiter should not be responsible for the cost of the meal.

[golf2140]

Karma will get the in the end !!!!

[dnobles]

Saw it at Bob Evans

[Retiring]

I, for one, would have followed them and snapped a picture of their license plate

Excellent idea.

When I was in college I dated a waitress. Restaurant policy at her place of employment was short and enforced. A patron walks out on a bill, waitress pays it in full, period, no exceptions.

[thelegges]

It is open to the public you know

Sounds like something a low life teenager would pull, not an adult Vilkager...hopefully!

Every restaurant in TV is open to the public. Does not matter who they were, or were they lived, it happens.
The women in Fenney Grill were not young, each had a dinner, and 3 drinks each, it was not a small bill the waitstaff had to pay.

[Bogie Shooter]

Sounds like something a low life teenager would pull, not an adult Vilkager...hopefully!

Cannot just assume it was a Vilkager……………………….

[Bay Kid]

What goes around comes around. Hopefully leftovers made them very sick!

[Taltarzac725]

Serial 'Dine-And-Dash Dater' Facing Up To 16 Years In Prison | HuffPost (https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/serial-dine-and-dash-dater-facing-up-to-16-years-in-prison_us_5b93fde6e4b0162f472db063)

Looks like doing this can have serious consequences.

[graciegirl]

Shoplifting and leaving without paying for food makes most of us furious.

They take from the server and from all of us. The measure is the amount of work we did to pay for a meal that they stole from the server, the establishment and society.

It is wrong.

I am hangin' with the ten commandments.

I would like to smack them or trip them or see them being cuffed and put in a squad car.

Hateful people!!!!!

[dillywho]

This rates right up there with people who will go in, get a meal and then complain just to get it comped. Then, there are also those who will pick up cash tips off the table. When I tip in cash, I make it a point to hand it directly to the server.

Sadly, being a Villager or relocating to The Villages, does not change these kinds of people into nice. This behavior has nothing to do with their station in life, either. It isn't that they can't afford to pay; it's simply that they make a choice to mistreat others.

What a sad way to start Thanksgiving. Had I seen this, I would have paid their tab. I know why restaurants won't cover for their wait staff, but I think they should rethink it somewhat. Maybe cover "one time only" for a server?

[BobnBev]

Shoplifting and leaving without paying for food makes most of us furious.

They take from the server and from all of us. The measure is the amount of work we did to pay for a meal that they stole from the server, the establishment and society.

It is wrong.

I am hangin' with the ten commandments.

I would like to smack them or trip them or see them being cuffed and put in a squad car.

Hateful people!!!!!

That's my motto, gg----cuff em and stuff em, of course they get a free ride on the electric slide (taser)

[BobnBev]

This rates right up there with people who will go in, get a meal and then complain just to get it comped. Then, there are also those who will pick up cash tips off the table. When I tip in cash, I make it a point to hand it directly to the server.

Sadly, being a Villager or relocating to The Villages, does not change these kinds of people into nice. This behavior has nothing to do with their station in life, either. It isn't that they can't afford to pay; it's simply that they make a choice to mistreat others.

What a sad way to start Thanksgiving. Had I seen this, I would have paid their tab. I know why restaurants won't cover for their wait staff, but I think they should rethink it somewhat. Maybe cover "one time only" for a server?

When I tip in cash, which is ALWAYS, I make it a point to hand it directly to the server, with a big thank you.:)

[redwitch]

Sadly, standard policy in most restaurants is that the server is responsible for paying for the check. Was this way when I served in college, hasn’t changed. The restaurant does not eat the bill. To make matters worse, if a server confronts a customer obviously leaving without paying, it is an automatic dismissal for the server. Many also have the policy that if a server has three walkouts in a 12-month period, it is an automatic termination. This happened to my daughter at Olive Garden and she’d been with them over 6 years!

More than once I’ve paid someone’s bill so the server wouldn’t have to. It is truly one of the more vile things a person can do, in my book.

[simpilot]

In my opinion this is just a form of mental illness, like kleptomania. Often they can can afford to pay but they get a thrill from stealing

[patfla06]

What a low life thing to do.

Must not have been raised right and old enough to know better!

KARMA.

[Nucky]

40 plus years ago many of the restaurants in China Town In NYC didn't even have locks on the door. They were BYOB places and my friends would Chew and Screw, that's what they called it back then. Even though I'm no Angel :angel: I never participated. If I had the money I paid the freight if I didn't I paid my share only.

If I had tried to run away with them I'm certain I would have gone back to pay. After all, I wasn't raised by Wolves. My parents tried hard to mold me to do proper things instinctively. It mainly worked but nobody's perfect. I was judged by the people who ran and it wasn't complimentary trust me. The good thing is I have no regrets, maybe only a few.

I swear I would have picked up the tab so the waiter wasn't stuck. Who knows why they did the running away thing, drugs are more heavily in the picture nowadays and that may have contributed to this terrible situation. I hope he didn't lose his job. Why don't we chip in and pick up the tab? :popcorn:

[Nucky]

What a low life thing to do.

Must not have been raised right and old enough to know better!

KARMA.

I couldn't agree more. I wish it had have been Instant Karma! :boom:

On the money Patfla06.

[CFrance]

Sadly, standard policy in most restaurants is that the server is responsible for paying for the check. Was this way when I served in college, hasn’t changed. The restaurant does not eat the bill. To make matters worse, if a server confronts a customer obviously leaving without paying, it is an automatic dismissal for the server. Many also have the policy that if a server has three walkouts in a 12-month period, it is an automatic termination. This happened to my daughter at Olive Garden and she’d been with them over 6 years!

More than once I’ve paid someone’s bill so the server wouldn’t have to. It is truly one of the more vile things a person can do, in my book.
What's even more vile is the restaurant placing the server in the middle. Classic double bind. If the servers have to foot the bill for a dine and dasher, they ought to be allowed to go after the person with impunity.

[BK001]

What's even more vile is the restaurant placing the server in the middle. Classic double bind. If the servers have to foot the bill for a dine and dasher, they ought to be allowed to go after the person with impunity.

I so agree with you. The server seems to be between a rock and a hard place. Damned if they do, damned if they don't. Just doesn't seem fair.

[DonH57]

I so agree with you. The server seems to be between a rock and a hard place. Damned if they do, damned if they don't. Just doesn't seem fair.

They also sometimes assign the wait staff in two different sections of the restaurant like our's had to cover making it impossible to keep eyes on the customers to make sure the customers were getting service.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

A few years ago I was watching a football game at Gator's Dockside in Spanish Springs when a false bomb scare was called in.

The whole place was evacuated. When I realized that we weren't going to be let back in before the game ended, I went across to Margarita Republic and watched the rest of the game. When the game was over Gator's was still closed so I went home.

The next day I went back to Gator's to pay my bill. They found it and I paid. I asked how many people came back to pay their bill and was told almost all of them.

So although this sort of thing might happen, even here in The Villages, it seems to me that most people are honest and will go out of their way to do the right thing.

By the way, I left an exceptionally large tip for the waitress because I knew that she had lost some income that day.

The guy that called in the bomb threat was caught. It was the boyfriend of a waitress who wanted her to get the day off. I hope it wasn't the waitress that I tipped.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Sadly, standard policy in most restaurants is that the server is responsible for paying for the check. Was this way when I served in college, hasn’t changed. The restaurant does not eat the bill. To make matters worse, if a server confronts a customer obviously leaving without paying, it is an automatic dismissal for the server. Many also have the policy that if a server has three walkouts in a 12-month period, it is an automatic termination. This happened to my daughter at Olive Garden and she’d been with them over 6 years!

More than once I’ve paid someone’s bill so the server wouldn’t have to. It is truly one of the more vile things a person can do, in my book.

This practice is illegal in some states. I don't know about Florida, but I tended bar back in Massachusetts and restaurants are not allowed to charge the server for walk outs.

[Twosnowbirds@comcast.net]

I agree. Most of the time it’s not the
servers fault. Sometimes the kitchen
is backed up. These servers don’t live in the area and must travel to get to work.
Give them a break

[dbglines]

Karma. It doesn’t matter what line of work you’re in, EVERY ONE gets busy/overwhelmed at work. What would happen if a medical person, say a nurse was working short (not that that would ever happen of course 🤥)..... Would they just ignore you or eventually get to you as soon as they possibly could. Patients, kindness and understanding are what is needed. Otherwise just stay home and cook for yourself!!

[dbglines]

I have a girlfriend who’s is an AWESOME waitress! Years ago she had a guy who attempted to dined and dashed....She ran out after him and confronted him!!!

[noslices1]

Quite frankly they walked put and I had no idea what happened till the waiter came over to their table, picked up the tab with only the unsigned slip and he ran out and came back in obviously upset. I was watching the television and eating when this happened.
Since the waiter picked up the "unsigned slip", then possibly, the diners did sign one of the slips and took that one by mistake. The waiter should have just added 20% tip and turned it in unsigned. If there was a credit card used, I doubt if this was a case of "dine & dash"

[toeser]

Someone once stole the flowers off my mother's grave. Not much about human behavior surprises me anymore.

[OhioBuckeye]

It's unbelievable people do this to the mostly hard working servers. Tonight we were at Tierra Del Sol and a couple sitting next to us slipped out with their leftovers leaving the waiter stuck. The place was packed, our waiter was busting his ass to cover every one of his customers needs and these aholes decide it wasn't enough so screw him. I just wanted to post this to make others aware. I've heard this happens and I think it's despicable to do to any server or establishment. If you don't like the service do the right thing and take it up with the manager.

Anymore it seems like everyone does tip, but it's not mandatory, it's a courtesy for good service. I really think if the restaurants would pay more they wouldn't expect a tip. Some restaurants pay per hour, like $12. a hour (but I don't think The Villages pay that much) so if their tips offset the $12. an hour & say they make $150. a week & if they get $50. in tips the restaurants only pay them $100. I know some do that, maybe not here, but they do. BY THE WAY, I ALWAYS TIP!

[Taltarzac725]

Anymore it seems like everyone does tip, but it's not mandatory, it's a courtesy for good service. I really think if the restaurants would pay more they wouldn't expect a tip. Some restaurants pay per hour, like $12. a hour (but I don't think The Villages pay that much) so if their tips offset the $12. an hour & say they make $150. a week & if they get $50. in tips the restaurants only pay them $100. I know some do that, maybe not here, but they do. BY THE WAY, I ALWAYS TIP!

I know a number of waitresses or former hostesses and will ask them. May take me a while though to gather information. I only see these women once in a while. And it may vary by Villages' Country Club and private restaurants.

[Island57]

Anymore it seems like everyone does tip, but it's not mandatory, it's a courtesy for good service. I really think if the restaurants would pay more they wouldn't expect a tip. Some restaurants pay per hour, like $12. a hour (but I don't think The Villages pay that much) so if their tips offset the $12. an hour & say they make $150. a week & if they get $50. in tips the restaurants only pay them $100. I know some do that, maybe not here, but they do. BY THE WAY, I ALWAYS TIP!
Wage for wait staff is about 5 bucks an hour. They rely on tips. If one can’t afford to tip, one should eat at home. Sunday tippers are the worst.

[dm82444]

and this is why you will never get quality help in this area!!!!

[boobear51751]

I, for one, would have followed them and snapped a picture of their license plate
This happens a lot here in TV. I have seen it happen a number of times in the last 14 years. Terra Del Sol seems to be the same place I have seen it before. That poor waitress was in tears because she had to pay out of her pocket for their meal. The people we were with all put in to pay for the meal and some folks we didn't even know. Time for cameras on the wait staff.

[graciegirl]

and this is why you will never get quality help in this area!!!!

I recall that very phrase from a poster on this forum.

And I will tell you as I told him that the servers here are the best anyone could ask for.

[Taltarzac725]

430 Employee Salaries in The Villages, FL | Glassdoor (https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/the-villages-salary-SRCH_IL.0,12_IM855.htm)

Salaries seem to vary by restaurant.

[jim1941]

If you saw someone help themselves to coffee at Panera Bread, without paying for it,
what would you do?

[redwitch]

If you saw someone help themselves to coffee at Panera Bread, without paying for it,
what would you do?

How would I know they hadn’t paid or aren’t planning to pay? Know of more than who fill their travel mug and then drink coffee while waiting to place order. I’d watch and if I saw them walking out, I’d remind them they need to pay. And, while stealing is stealing, there is still a HUGE difference between dine n dash and getting a free cup of coffee — you didn’t cheat a server out of tips (yours and the people who could have legitimately sat there); you didn’t have someone wait on you and cater to your every whim; you didn’t have someone else pay for your meal.

[bunnyhop]

If you can't afford a decent tip, you can't afford to go out to eat.

[Carla B]

Someone once stole the flowers off my mother's grave. Not much about human behavior surprises me anymore.

Someone snitched a $5 stainless tool my husband was selling at a garage sale the other day when his head was turned.

[SFSkol]

I went to City Fire in Lake Sumter a few months ago. Waited at the full bar to order a beer. The beer cost $2.95. The bartender, male, walked 10 steps to get a glass, turned around, poured the beer and took ten steps to return to me and give the beer. I left him the 5 cents and a dollar. 30 minutes later I went to the bar for a refill with the same bartender. I just left the nickel. The same bartender said to me, "You know we work for tips?" I reminded him I left a dollar before. "A dollar for two beers, thanks a lot." I picked the nickel up, put it in his hand, and said, "This is for bartenders etiquette school." He turned away, muttering some profanity under his breath. Unfortunately, the bar manager, Alan, was not there, otherwise, there might have bee a scene. I have never been to an establishment where employees shill for tips.

So, I left $1.10 tip for a $5.90 purchase. 18% tip. All for a lecture, and service of about 40 steps.

I have never been back. My family has never been back. Our monthly group meetings have been canceled.

I know that penalizing an establishment for one employee's action is not fair. But, I cannot believe that he has not said that before to other patrons, it sounded like a rehearsed line, before a packed bar with three nearby bar staff members. Management must have known, and it appears to condone the practice.

[ColdNoMore]

I went to City Fire in Lake Sumter a few months ago. Waited at the full bar to order a beer. The beer cost $2.95. The bartender, male, walked 10 steps to get a glass, turned around, poured the beer and took ten steps to return to me and give the beer. I left him the 5 cents and a dollar. 30 minutes later I went to the bar for a refill with the same bartender. I just left the nickel. The same bartender said to me, "You know we work for tips?" I reminded him I left a dollar before. "A dollar for two beers, thanks a lot." I picked the nickel up, put it in his hand, and said, "This is for bartenders etiquette school." He turned away, muttering some profanity under his breath. Unfortunately, the bar manager, Alan, was not there, otherwise, there might have bee a scene. I have never been to an establishment where employees shill for tips.

So, I left $1.10 tip for a $5.90 purchase. 18% tip. All for a lecture, and service of about 40 steps.

I have never been back. My family has never been back. Our monthly group meetings have been canceled.

I know that penalizing an establishment for one employee's action is not fair. But, I cannot believe that he has not said that before to other patrons, it sounded like a rehearsed line, before a packed bar with three nearby bar staff members. Management must have known, and it appears to condone the practice.

Wow...just wow. :oops:


Loved your "This is for bartenders etiquette school" comment! :1rotfl:

[VillageIdiots]

Why should this bother me? They are the criminals and nobody is really getting hurt right? If you think about it, it has an impact on all of us. Unfortunately, theft and pilferage are part of the restaurant business and it only winds up getting factored into the prices the establishment has to charge to offset the losses. So, in a way, when they rip off the restaurant, it's impacting your wallet as well.

Almost as bad, though, is when I see people sit down and eat a meal and with a few "crumbs" left on their plate, one person will start complaining about something to the wait person, which ultimately results in a visit from the manager, all in hopes that they will get part or all of their meal for free. When I first went out on my own in life, I had a roommate that would do this and it was very embarrassing to even be associated with it. But countless times I have been in restaurants near people trying the same tactics. The staff knows what you are doing and you probably know they know what you are doing, but you also know the customer is always right.

There are countries that require their young people to serve in the military before beginning their private careers. As one who has worked in retail and in food service, I've always thought how different things would be if everyone had experienced the other side from the customer in these situations - they may handle things differently.

[NotGolfer]

Why should this bother me? They are the criminals and nobody is really getting hurt right? If you think about it, it has an impact on all of us. Unfortunately, theft and pilferage are part of the restaurant business and it only winds up getting factored into the prices the establishment has to charge to offset the losses. So, in a way, when they rip off the restaurant, it's impacting your wallet as well.

Almost as bad, though, is when I see people sit down and eat a meal and with a few "crumbs" left on their plate, one person will start complaining about something to the wait person, which ultimately results in a visit from the manager, all in hopes that they will get part or all of their meal for free. When I first went out on my own in life, I had a roommate that would do this and it was very embarrassing to even be associated with it. But countless times I have been in restaurants near people trying the same tactics. The staff knows what you are doing and you probably know they know what you are doing, but you also know the customer is always right.

There are countries that require their young people to serve in the military before beginning their private careers. As one who has worked in retail and in food service, I've always thought how different things would be if everyone had experienced the other side from the customer in these situations - they may handle things differently.

You're absolutely right! I've never worked food service but I have had my own retail business so got to see a darker side of people. SOME (not to be slotted with all) would say they were Christians and were the worst. My kids worked food service so we heard the stories from them too. After that I've always tried to leave a really good tip. They work hard for their $$$ and the work is hard as well. Try being "sunny and in good spirits" for hours to grumpy old people all the while of being on your feet for hours!!!

[justjim]

Since the waiter picked up the "unsigned slip", then possibly, the diners did sign one of the slips and took that one by mistake. The waiter should have just added 20% tip and turned it in unsigned. If there was a credit card used, I doubt if this was a case of "dine & dash"

You get your bill first then give the Server your credit card. At this point, when you first get the bill, is when a “dash” would happen. Despicable and sad but it happens.

[Jersey Joe]

It's unbelievable people do this to the mostly hard working servers. Tonight we were at Tierra Del Sol and a couple sitting next to us slipped out with their leftovers leaving the waiter stuck. The place was packed, our waiter was busting his ass to cover every one of his customers needs and these aholes decide it wasn't enough so screw him. I just wanted to post this to make others aware. I've heard this happens and I think it's despicable to do to any server or establishment. If you don't like the service do the right thing and take it up with the manager.
This happens more than you think! We been living her since 2007 and it's got worst, especially when the renters and snowbirds come back.

[adeleb]

Wow. I always leave the tip in cash on the table either in plain site or in the credit card folder thing they give you

Never even occurred to me that another patron would pick it up.

I will hand it to them from now on....live and learn!

[DonH57]

This happens more than you think! We been living her since 2007 and it's got worst, especially when the renters and snowbirds come back.

No doubt. I've noticed a general difference in behavior in people here in the villages restaurants, pools, stores, golf courses, and the squares between this month to around late March to april.

[graciegirl]

I went to City Fire in Lake Sumter a few months ago. Waited at the full bar to order a beer. The beer cost $2.95. The bartender, male, walked 10 steps to get a glass, turned around, poured the beer and took ten steps to return to me and give the beer. I left him the 5 cents and a dollar. 30 minutes later I went to the bar for a refill with the same bartender. I just left the nickel. The same bartender said to me, "You know we work for tips?" I reminded him I left a dollar before. "A dollar for two beers, thanks a lot." I picked the nickel up, put it in his hand, and said, "This is for bartenders etiquette school." He turned away, muttering some profanity under his breath. Unfortunately, the bar manager, Alan, was not there, otherwise, there might have bee a scene. I have never been to an establishment where employees shill for tips.

So, I left $1.10 tip for a $5.90 purchase. 18% tip. All for a lecture, and service of about 40 steps.

I have never been back. My family has never been back. Our monthly group meetings have been canceled.

I know that penalizing an establishment for one employee's action is not fair. But, I cannot believe that he has not said that before to other patrons, it sounded like a rehearsed line, before a packed bar with three nearby bar staff members. Management must have known, and it appears to condone the practice.

Try to understand they do work for tips. That is the way it works. They are people. They need money to live.

[OhioBuckeye]

I know a number of waitresses or former hostesses and will ask them. May take me a while though to gather information. I only see these women once in a while. And it may vary by Villages' Country Club and private restaurants.

I never had a waitress ask for a tip but I have at the register or if I use a credit card the credit card machine will ask. I did ask a waitress about tips because I told her what a great job she did. She said I wish people would leave cash tips because she said when people add it to their bill the restaurant will deduct it from her pay. Personally I thought that would be stealing. Oh well, thanks for you opinion!

[dillywho]

Wow. I always leave the tip in cash on the table either in plain site or in the credit card folder thing they give you

Never even occurred to me that another patron would pick it up.

I will hand it to them from now on....live and learn!

I worked in a little bar downtown back home and that was one of the first things my boss told me about and advised me to pick up my tips as soon as the customer left. Sadly, it was not the blue collar workers, but the suit and tie businessmen who would do this!:censored:

[Jayhawk]

Sadly, standard policy in most restaurants is that the server is responsible for paying for the check. Was this way when I served in college, hasn’t changed. The restaurant does not eat the bill. To make matters worse, if a server confronts a customer obviously leaving without paying, it is an automatic dismissal for the server. Many also have the policy that if a server has three walkouts in a 12-month period, it is an automatic termination. This happened to my daughter at Olive Garden and she’d been with them over 6 years!

More than once I’ve paid someone’s bill so the server wouldn’t have to. It is truly one of the more vile things a person can do, in my book.

There has to be a whole lot of documentation to make a server pay for a walkout. It's not at all like it was back in the day.

After A Dine-And-Dash, Is It Legal For A Restaurant To Take Money From A Waiter's Tips? (https://www.consumerreports.org/consumerist/after-a-dine-and-dash-is-it-legal-for-a-restaurant-to-take-money-from-a-waiters-tips/)


A rep for the Division explained that, according to Sec. 203(m) of the Fair Labor Standards Act [PDF], tips are to be fully retained by the employee, except in those cases where there is a valid tipping pool shared by multiple employees.

“Beyond that, tips are the property of the employee and an employer cannot require an employee to turn over any portion of them to the restaurant,” explains the rep.

So if, as per the example situation we presented, the waiter depends on his tips to meet the minimum wage, his employer can not deduct anything from his wages or tips?

“In the situation you give, there would be a violation,” says the Labor Dept. rep. “Since the employer is claiming a tip credit, the server is in effect a minimum wage employee and any deduction from wages would result in a violation.”

[CFrance]

I also read that it is illegal for an employer to make a server pay for a walk-out unless the server could be proven to be negligent (let his friends dine and dash, for instance). If a waiter goes to get coffee/dessert/the bill, etc., and the customer skips, the waiter cannot be held liable for the bill. But I read this on a free legal advice web site that I'm unfamiliar with. However... https://employment-law.freeadvice.com/employment-law/employment-law/salary_employr.htm

See what you think.

[Jayhawk]

She said I wish people would leave cash tips because she said when people add it to their bill the restaurant will deduct it from her pay. Personally I thought that would be stealing. Oh well, thanks for you opinion!

I suspect it is more likely they add the tips to her W2 and therefore it is taxable.

[retiredguy123]

I suspect it is more likely they add the tips to her W2 and therefore it is taxable.
The IRS has a rule that restaurants need to include 8 percent of their gross proceeds on their employees W2's as taxable tip income. The employee can either pay tax on that amount, or claim a different amount and try to prove to the IRS that 8 percent is not correct.

[Jayhawk]

The IRS has a rule that restaurants need to include 8 percent of their gross proceeds on their employees W2's as taxable tip income. The employee can either pay tax on that amount, or claim a different amount and try to prove to the IRS that 8 percent is not correct.

It is 8% minus the amount of staff reported tips. So if staff self-reported (including the amount tracked by credit card) is over 8% there is no allocation to the business.

[Henryk]

It's unbelievable people do this to the mostly hard working servers. Tonight we were at Tierra Del Sol and a couple sitting next to us slipped out with their leftovers leaving the waiter stuck. The place was packed, our waiter was busting his ass to cover every one of his customers needs and these aholes decide it wasn't enough so screw him. I just wanted to post this to make others aware. I've heard this happens and I think it's despicable to do to any server or establishment. If you don't like the service do the right thing and take it up with the manager.

I agree. Most servers are very good and pro hard for tips. Goddess knows they’re paid lousy wages.

[Henryk]

Quite frankly they walked put and I had no idea what happened till the waiter came over to their table, picked up the tab with only the unsigned slip and he ran out and came back in obviously upset. I was watching the television and eating when this happened.

I didn’t realize they stiffed him on the check, too. Scum. Get a photo of the license plate..

[Rapscallion St Croix]

If you saw someone help themselves to coffee at Panera Bread, without paying for it,
what would you do?

I have only been to Panera a couple of times, and I seem to remember paying for coffee when I ordered it and waiting for it to be brought to the counter. I do not recall self-service coffee, but it I did observe your example I would continue doing whatever I was doing when I saw them helping themselves.

[CWGUY]

I have only been to Panera a cuple of times, and I seem to remember paying for coffee when I ordered it and waiting for it to be brought to the counter. I do not recall self-service coffee, but it I did observe your example I would continue doing whatever I was doing when I saw them helping themselves.

:ohdear: Not how they do it there. You pay and then go help yourself. A lot of people skip the first step! :icon_wink:

[retiredguy123]

It is 8% minus the amount of staff reported tips. So if staff self-reported (including the amount tracked by credit card) is over 8% there is no allocation to the business.
Just to clarify, the purpose of the IRS rule is to require employees to pay taxes on 8 percent of the total gross income that the restaurant generates. Regardless of what internal tip reporting is required between the employees and the business, the restaurant must provide the employee and the IRS, a W2 that indicates that the employee has a taxable income for tips equal to 8 percent of the gross sales. This is prorated among all tipped employees. So, it really doesn't matter whether the tips are received as cash or on a credit card, the employee's W2 should be the same. So, if the restaurant has $1 million in sales, the employee W2's will indicate a total taxable income of $80,000 that the employees must report on their tax returns as tip income in addition to their salary.

[ColdNoMore]

IRS - Tip Recordkeeping & Reporting (click here) (http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/tip-recordkeeping-and-reporting)

[Rapscallion St Croix]

So, if the server has to pay for the meal the skipper had, 8% of that amount, subsequent to the dine and dash and paid by the server, is then reported as income, some of which is attributed to said server. Catch 22.

[OhioBuckeye]

Wage for wait staff is about 5 bucks an hour. They rely on tips. If one can’t afford to tip, one should eat at home. Sunday tippers are the worst.

You're right they do depend on tips, but I was only trying to make a point that if the restaurants would pay more like min. wage they wouldn't have to think everybody has to tip. The way it's going, in the next couple of yrs. the owners will be figuring how much they pay per hr. then figuring their gross wages & they'll subtract their gross pay from their tips, you watch & see! I DO TIP, but I tip on the service I get, not how fast I get served because slow service is because they're under staffed. You made a great point though, thanks!

[ronsroni]

Having been the recipient of this thievery many years ago, were I to see it, I would say, aloud, THIS TABLE NEEDS THEIR CHECK. The attention would immediately be on them so it would be hard to leave without paying. I don't usually watch others actions but if it is apparent to me that it is happening, I would bellow. It's OK to apologize if I am wrong about it.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I walked out of a restaurant once without paying, on purpose. Extenuating circumstances:
Went with someone, there were plenty of empty tables and no line, shortly before the dinner hour, so they had staff on hand. We waited 10 minutes for someone to come to the entry and acknowledge that we were there waiting to be greeted. Another few minutes before we were actually seated. They gave us menus - the table was empty. No napkins, utensils, nothing. Almost ten minutes came and went, and no one came to bring us water, or utensils, or tell us "I'll be right over to take your order" or napkins. Finally someone showed up, took our order, took the menus, and left.

Ten minutes later, we STILL didn't have water, or napkins, or utensils.

Fifteen minutes after that, we flagged down a busboy and asked for water, napkins, and utensils. He had someone else do it a few minutes later.

Fifteen or 20 minutes after THAT, they served us. One of the dishes was a hot meal, and was already almost cold. The other was a sandwich, on the wrong bread.

It took over 5 minutes to flag the waitress down to tell her that the hot meal wasn't hot. She looked confused, as though she had absolutely no idea what she was supposed to do about it (such as, ask if we'd like a fresh, hot meal, or order something to replace it, for example). She walked away, still perplexed, and we just sat there staring at the cold hot-meal that neither of us would be eating. We ended up sharing the sandwich.

Fifteen minutes after THAT, no one had come to bring the check, or enquire as to why the cold hot-meal was still sitting there, untouched.

We had been seated for almost two hours in total by the time we finally walked out without paying. We couldn't even figure out which - if any - was the manager. Otherwise we would've spoken to him/her before we left.

[retiredguy123]

How was the sandwich?

[CFrance]

I walked out of a restaurant once without paying, on purpose. Extenuating circumstances:
Went with someone, there were plenty of empty tables and no line, shortly before the dinner hour, so they had staff on hand. We waited 10 minutes for someone to come to the entry and acknowledge that we were there waiting to be greeted. Another few minutes before we were actually seated. They gave us menus - the table was empty. No napkins, utensils, nothing. Almost ten minutes came and went, and no one came to bring us water, or utensils, or tell us "I'll be right over to take your order" or napkins. Finally someone showed up, took our order, took the menus, and left.

Ten minutes later, we STILL didn't have water, or napkins, or utensils.

Fifteen minutes after that, we flagged down a busboy and asked for water, napkins, and utensils. He had someone else do it a few minutes later.

Fifteen or 20 minutes after THAT, they served us. One of the dishes was a hot meal, and was already almost cold. The other was a sandwich, on the wrong bread.

It took over 5 minutes to flag the waitress down to tell her that the hot meal wasn't hot. She looked confused, as though she had absolutely no idea what she was supposed to do about it (such as, ask if we'd like a fresh, hot meal, or order something to replace it, for example). She walked away, still perplexed, and we just sat there staring at the cold hot-meal that neither of us would be eating. We ended up sharing the sandwich.

Fifteen minutes after THAT, no one had come to bring the check, or enquire as to why the cold hot-meal was still sitting there, untouched.

We had been seated for almost two hours in total by the time we finally walked out without paying. We couldn't even figure out which - if any - was the manager. Otherwise we would've spoken to him/her before we left.
Really, you (I mean, really!) sat there for two hours? Sounds a bit fantastic.


I'm sorry, but if you ate the sandwich you should have paid for it. Get the bill, talk to the manager, refuse to pay for the uneaten cold meal, but pay for the sandwich you ate. Otherwise, that's just thievery. IMO.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Yes it was two hours. The sandwich was on the wrong bread. The waitress couldn't even handle a "hot meal that isn't hot," let alone a sandwich on the wrong bread. We TRIED to find the manager but couldn't figure out which one the manager was (as I stated in the post you quoted, last paragraph). No one brought us a check. It's their job to a) pay attention to the customers and b) make sure the customer gets the check. They did neither. I did try but I wasn't about to get up and chase them around the restaurant begging to pay for the wrong meal. Most of the two hours was spent waiting for various things throughout the visit (waiting to be acknowledged. Waiting to be seated. Waiting for menus. Waiting for silverware and water. Waiting for food. Waiting for the check. Waiting for someone to resolve the hot meal that was cold problem. Waiting to realize that it wouldn't be resolved and no one apparently cared), and trying to find an employee to notice that we needed assistance.

[pauld315]

So, if the server has to pay for the meal the skipper had, 8% of that amount, subsequent to the dine and dash and paid by the server, is then reported as income, some of which is attributed to said server. Catch 22.

I go to TDS all the time, I doubt the server got stuck with the bill but I will ask.

[pauld315]

:ohdear: Not how they do it there. You pay and then go help yourself. A lot of people skip the first step! :icon_wink:

Every Panera I have been in in 4 states works that way. You order coffee at the counter, they give you a cup and you help yourself