wsj.com
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Summary

Tipping in U.S. restaurants has dropped to 19.3%, the lowest in six years, driven by frustration over rising menu prices and increased prompts for tips in non-traditional settings.

Only 38% of consumers tipped 20% or more in 2024, down from 56% in 2021, reflecting tighter budgets.

Diners are cutting back on outings, spending less, and tipping less. Some restaurants are adding service fees, further reducing tips.

Worker advocacy groups are pushing to eliminate the tipped-wage system, while the restaurant industry warns these shifts hurt business and employees.

Key cities like D.C. and Chicago are phasing in higher minimum wages for tipped workers.

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  • Romkslrqusz@lemm.ee
    3·
    4 hours ago

    The whole West Coast does not have a separate minimum wage for waitstaff, so tips are on top of wages. Makes the whole “20% tip” culture feel a bit weird to me, but it’s still the norm.

    Been to a few no-tip restaurants, cost of individual menu items was higher relative to comparable items at other restaurants. I feel like I remember the final bill being comparable to or lower than meal+tip elsewhere.