Have you noticed a decline in service, yet an expectation for greater tipping?  A response to our blog about service expectations mentioned that 15% is no longer considered a “good” tip.  It seems there a trend where customers are seeing a decline in service and not feeling appreciated, yet are pressured to tip above 15%.  And where do you draw the line on tipping for service?  When you go to a coffee shop or an ice cream parlor, is there pressure to throw a tip into the jar on the counter because you received your coffee hot and your ice cream cold?  There’s more to good service than just the process.

Tipping in the U.S. is part of the employee’s pay, and tipped positions are able to receive an hourly rate below that of the minimum wage.  So it is understandable that tipping is expected, but that doesn’t mean you should receive poor service.  It is still standard to tip 15%, and anything over that should definitely reflect the quality of service.  Being in a service industry, Lou Malnati’s requires great service from our staff.  Our customers aren’t taken for granted, and each customer should feel noticed when they choose Lou’s.  When that’s the case, both the customer and the server win.