"My server, Alexandria, did an excellent job attending to me and keeping my water glass filled, even though the restaurant was busy. However, I did have an issue at the end of my meal. When I received the bill, I found a small notice tucked inside the credit card folder, stating that cash was preferred and that a 3% convenience fee would be charged for debit or credit card payments. This felt quite off-putting. I understand that credit card companies charge merchants a fee for processing, but I believe this cost should be included in the menu prices rather than being presented as a hidden charge.
Additionally, I noticed that the suggested tip amount now starts at 18%. What happened to the standard of 10%? It seems that instead of restaurants ensuring their servers earn a living wage, they’re relying on customers to cover the difference. I typically tip based on a set amount per person in the dining party and the quality of service received. While I understand that the cost of dining out has risen, I question why the suggested tipping percentages keep increasing."
