I went out to eat yesterday.  We had 4 adults and 2 kids.  The bill included an automatic 18% gratuity.  What the heck?  Why did American restaurants decide that bigger parties should automatically have tips added to the check.  If they force the amount on you it is no longer a tip but a surcharge! 

Tips should be optional.  The better your service the better your tips.  I understand that tips are included in waiters/waitresses pay so they only get paid a few bucks an hour. Unless service is really really bad I always tip.

The funny thing is I normally tip 20% or more.  By putting the tip automatically on the bill they pissed me off and got less.

Another thing that ticks me off is when take out or fast food places have tip jars out.  I refuse to tip for fast food.  I know there are some people who tip the Sonic employees who bring your food to the car but I say forget it!  It is fast food.  I would be perfectly happy to go through a drive through or walk inside.  If their restaurant concept includes kids on roller skates bringing food to your car like a 50’s drive up diner- that’s their choice. 

As far as take out places- the whole point of not eating in the restaurant is to not tip and save that money.  If I was going to tip I might as well eat there and get the actual service I am tipping you for!

Speaking of tips and food, I saw this article on MSN.  14 tons of Oreo cookies spilled on the highway when the driver fell asleep and the truck tipped over.  man, sign me up for that cleanup!  Much better than cleaning up oil spills from little birds and such.  Forget the diet- I am doing it for the environment!

Oreo article