World Cup Host City Restaurants Add 20% Gratuities as U.S. Tipping Norms Risk Confusing Visitors
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jun 13
World Cup Host City Restaurants Add 20% Gratuities as U.S. Tipping Norms Risk Confusing Visitors
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jun 13
Summary
Restaurants in World Cup host cities including Atlanta, Philadelphia and Kansas City are automatically adding 20% gratuities to checks as international visitors arrive this weekend.
Operators say the charge protects tipped workers from being underpaid by guests unfamiliar with U.S. tipping customs and reduces awkward explanations at the table.
Kansas City restaurants were advised last month to adopt temporary auto-gratuities, and some businesses say they will post the surcharge clearly on menus and in dining rooms.
Industry critics warn mandatory tips could deepen consumer irritation over fees as restaurant traffic declines, while some operators in New York and elsewhere are keeping voluntary tipping and competing on value instead.