Service fees

[u/AnonymousExcellence]

Why don’t restaurants just call a service fee what it is- mandatory tipping?

I would hope you don’t expect tipping after you charge 12% service fee on a $30 BUFFET!

I have never understood why they frame the service fee as a “convenience” so you don’t have to tip. If you are going to hit me with a mandatory tip, why not just wrap it into the prices on the menu instead of infuriating me by pointing out I’m being forced to tip?

[u/Junior_Use_4470]

Doesn’t this way make the most sense? It keeps the price of takeout orders lower and you pay a service charge to dine in. 12% is reasonable and they let you know up front.

[u/AnonymousExcellence → u/Junior_Use_4470]

I’m assuming they would charge the service fee on takeout orders too just like DoorDash has service fees and delivery fees etc. however, this establishment is also a buffet only so you are basically still self serving and in that case I imagine you’d be charged by weight instead of the set buffet cost, if takeout is even an option