Are service and tips a thing of the past?

[H20 Toie]

So went out to dinner tonight to restaurant in Thousand Oaks called Tarantula Hill Brewing. we sat there for a bit waiting for a server before realizing that
on the table they have QR code.
scan that and place your order, each item has check marks so you add or subtract what you want with each item, you also have to enter your cc info in order to place the order,
after that someone comes out puts the order on table and walks away, no conversation no asking if you need anything, want another drink add to the order, it was weird because i had to just guess what beer i wanted since they were there all their own varieties, ( no Coors Light) Maybe they assume everyone is a repeat customer?

So when i go to pay the bill on the order it pops up with tip 25% 20% 18% other, now i am normally a very good tipper, but this whole thing was kind of a pain in the ass and rubbed me wrong,
I have zero issues tipping for service but What service? i get better service at a fast food place than this, granted its not a Mastro's but it also wasn't a cheap dinner.
and they did have people picking up tables etc

I was just trying to figure out what i was tipping for,

Maybe this is the future but sure not what i want when going out to Dinner

 

[Kachina26]

I won't scan QR codes. It's a security risk. Bring me a menu and a person to take my order.

 

[LHC Kirby]

I won't scan QR codes. It's a security risk. Bring me a menu and a person to take my order.

I agree, and at the MOST, I would have tipped 10% on the situation posted. I tip good, really good.... but that is a place I would go to ONCE

 

[FCT]

I went to Karl Strauss in Temecula during Covid, and that was the only service you could get was the QR bullshit. I walked right back out and went where they wanted to actually serve us. I hate technology.

 

[lbhsbz]

So went out to dinner tonight to restaurant in Thousand Oaks called Tarantula Hill Brewing. we sat there for a bit waiting for a server before realizing that
on the table they have QR code.
scan that and place your order, each item has check marks so you add or subtract what you want with each item, you also have to enter your cc info in order to place the order,
after that someone comes out puts the order on table and walks away, no conversation no asking if you need anything, want another drink add to the order, it was weird because i had to just guess what beer i wanted since they were there all their own varieties, ( no Coors Light) Maybe they assume everyone is a repeat customer?

So when i go to pay the bill on the order it pops up with tip 25% 20% 18% other, now i am normally a very good tipper, but this whole thing was kind of a pain in the ass and rubbed me wrong,
I have zero issues tipping for service but What service? i get better service at a fast food place than this, granted its not a Mastro's but it also wasn't a cheap dinner.
and they did have people picking up tables etc

I was just trying to figure out what i was tipping for,

Maybe this is the future but sure not what i want when going out to Dinner

This is why we’ve gone out to dinner exactly twice since Covid…

 

[17 10 Flat]

I went to Karl Strauss in Temecula during Covid, and that was the only service you could get was the QR bullshit. I walked right back out and went where they wanted to actually serve us. I hate technology.

If more people walk out and tell them why, things may change. I'm not holding my breath.

 

[Nanu/Nanu]

I pay for service rendered. Good service=good tip, i dont tip less than 15%.

 

[farmo83]

We studied this when I got my MBA. It’s a costless benefit to the employees. I.E. if you ask customers if you want to tip invariably some will think they should and will. The only cost for them to do this is write the screen to ask with the percentages or in an old school case put out a tip jar. After the cost to put the screen in is paid for it cost the business nothing to ask for tips so why wouldn’t they.


I personally am a very cheap tipper nor do I really agree with the concept. You’re reward for doing a good job is being able to keep your job, not a bonus at the customers expense. I’m aware that if tipping goes away wages and prices will rise and I’m happy to pay that. People are paying it anyway.

 

[17 10 Flat]

I pay for service rendered. Good service=good tip, i dont tip less than 15%.

Right there with you. Will increase tip if sitting at table longer just chatting maybe one extra drink. I figure we may have cost the server another table full of new customers.

 

[jailbird141]

Just wait till robots prepare and deliver your food and drink and they ask for a tip! Funny thought I know, but its not unrealistic and its not that far away.

 

[17 10 Flat]

Just wait till robots prepare and deliver your food and drink and they ask for a tip! Funny thought I know, but its not unrealistic and its not that far away.

Just leave the robots some batteries.

 

[sirbob]

I don’t like those situations…

I give a flat 10% for take out orders - this is the same in my mind.

 

[spectra3279]

This I would not tip at all. They did absolutely nothing to deserve a tip

 

[lbhsbz]

We studied this when I got my MBA. It’s a costless benefit to the employees. I.E. if you ask customers if you want to tip invariably some will think they should and will. The only cost for them to do this is write the screen to ask with the percentages or in an old school case put out a tip jar. After the cost to put the screen in is paid for it cost the business nothing to ask for tips so why wouldn’t they.


I personally am a very cheap tipper nor do I really agree with the concept. You’re reward for doing a good job is being able to keep your job, not a bonus at the customers expense. I’m aware that if tipping goes away wages and prices will rise and I’m happy to pay that. People are paying it anyway.

Because customers will get up and walk out and the books don't reflect that loss. In my experience dealing with MBAs....the education required for the degree is lacking. Come to think of it....every single business I've been a part of that installed a management team of people with business degrees has gone down the toilet at an alarming rate. The ones that have been run by folks with no real education seem to be kicking ass and taking names. odd.

Some don't seem to understand that you have to look past the spreadsheet to see the big picture.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

We studied this when I got my MBA. It’s a costless benefit to the employees. I.E. if you ask customers if you want to tip invariably some will think they should and will. The only cost for them to do this is write the screen to ask with the percentages or in an old school case put out a tip jar. After the cost to put the screen in is paid for it cost the business nothing to ask for tips so why wouldn’t they.


I personally am a very cheap tipper nor do I really agree with the concept. You’re reward for doing a good job is being able to keep your job, not a bonus at the customers expense. I’m aware that if tipping goes away wages and prices will rise and I’m happy to pay that. People are paying it anyway.

Agreed. Wages have already risen.

It’s always funny to me how the attendant will say “You are going to get asked some questions” and look another direction when the tip screen pops up lol.

 

[Ziggy]

Just wait till robots prepare and deliver your food and drink and they ask for a tip! Funny thought I know, but its not unrealistic and its not that far away.

The newest Korean BBQ place near me has robots that bring your food to you. Ordering was similar to Dans story above.
.
Even before the pandemic I experienced ordering like this in other parts of the world but the trend is growing.

 

[Singleton]

Because customers will get up and walk out and the books don't reflect that loss. In my experience dealing with MBAs....the education required for the degree is lacking. Come to think of it....every single business I've been a part of that installed a management team of people with business degrees has gone down the toilet at an alarming rate. The ones that have been run by folks with no real education seem to be kicking ass and taking names. odd.

Some don't seem to understand that you have to look past the spreadsheet to see the big picture.

MBA’s have been watered down IMO. Used to mean something. If you earned an MBA from a top 20 MBA school (Kellogg, Stanford, Michigan, USC,) they are worth it. When I was hiring my last team, I had folks with MBAs from very small schools (not even a top 100 MBA program) or online only type of school, mandating MBA money.

I remember telling one individual - you went straight from college to get an MBA at UofPHX online, have zero work experience and you want six figures as your starting pay. The reason you did not get hired; you have zero work experience and I need someone who has experience working a warehouse and can leverage that experience to audit our 25 warehouses globally. Your degree in inventory mgmt., and MBA does not equal work experience.

 

[Singleton]

The newest Korean BBQ place near me has robots that bring your food to you. Ordering was similar to Dans story above.
.
Even before the pandemic I experienced ordering like this in other parts of the world but the trend is growing.

That place has decent food. Daughter loves the kitty cat on the robot
When you have to pay $15 an hour, you start automating what you can to maintain your margin

 

[Dan Lorenze]

So went out to dinner tonight to restaurant in Thousand Oaks called Tarantula Hill Brewing. we sat there for a bit waiting for a server before realizing that
on the table they have QR code.
scan that and place your order, each item has check marks so you add or subtract what you want with each item, you also have to enter your cc info in order to place the order,
after that someone comes out puts the order on table and walks away, no conversation no asking if you need anything, want another drink add to the order, it was weird because i had to just guess what beer i wanted since they were there all their own varieties, ( no Coors Light) Maybe they assume everyone is a repeat customer?

So when i go to pay the bill on the order it pops up with tip 25% 20% 18% other, now i am normally a very good tipper, but this whole thing was kind of a pain in the ass and rubbed me wrong,
I have zero issues tipping for service but What service? i get better service at a fast food place than this, granted its not a Mastro's but it also wasn't a cheap dinner.
and they did have people picking up tables etc

I was just trying to figure out what i was tipping for,

Maybe this is the future but sure not what i want when going out to Dinner

I go to Tarantula Hill once or twice a week, I like their beer and food.. I think the system they have in place makes it for a great experience. Once you've entered your CC info the menu is really simple to navigate. Once you order the beer of your choice, someone will drop it off at your table in about 3 minutes, it's fast, just like the food delivery. There's no waiting for a server to come over, then they drop off menu's, then they give you time to look. It all happens very fast.. I sometimes forget to cash out because I'm not used to the new system, that's ok, they automatically do it if you don't. No more leaving the card at the restaurant.. I'm not sure what else anyone could want. If you're looking for some conversation you can always sit up at the bar.. Lots of nice bartenders to talk to. I just wished they would get rid of those uncomfortable metal stools.

 

[lbhsbz]

MBA’s have been watered down IMO. Used to mean something. If you earned an MBA from a top 20 MBA school (Kellogg, Stanford, Michigan, USC,) they are worth it. When I was hiring my last team, I had folks with MBAs from very small schools (not even a top 100 MBA program) or online only type of school, mandating MBA money.

I remember telling one individual - you went straight from college to get an MBA at UofPHX online, have zero work experience and you want six figures as your starting pay. The reason you did not get hired; you have zero work experience and I need someone who has experience working a warehouse and can leverage that experience to audit our 25 warehouses globally. Your degree in inventory mgmt., and MBA does not equal work experience.

LMAO....the guy that was installed to run our caliper dept. and oversee the transition to the new plant in Mexico got his MBA from UofPHX.

 

[CLdrinker]

I stopped going to Red Robin once they put that little touchscreen dealio on the table. Told the manager I wasn’t interested in a sit down drive through.
We have got up and walked out of other places the have similar setups.
QR code can fuck right off. Dinner with family should be a no phone zone. Don’t require me to use it to do your job.

 

[farmo83]

Because customers will get up and walk out and the books don't reflect that loss. In my experience dealing with MBAs....the education required for the degree is lacking. Come to think of it....every single business I've been a part of that installed a management team of people with business degrees has gone down the toilet at an alarming rate. The ones that have been run by folks with no real education seem to be kicking ass and taking names. odd.

Some don't seem to understand that you have to look past the spreadsheet to see the big picture.

Have a chip on your shoulder, do we ?

As far as the value of an MBA, by no means is it perfect and I never said it was. There’s plenty of lazy stupid people that have MBA’s as well as hard working smart ones. I went to a higher end school and even then, we had plenty of both. Every business has people that look great on paper, it’s not that unique of a scenario. As far as your opinion for the degree I obtained lacks, go get one from the same place and we'll chat.

As far as the cost of people not returning due to being asked to leave a tip, that’s absolutely a risk. I think there’s very few people that would do that, especially if the business has a worthwhile product, but again that’s just my opinion. Clearly yours is different.

 

[17 10 Flat]

I stopped going to Red Robin once they put that little touchscreen dealio on the table. Told the manager I wasn’t interested in a sit down drive through.
We have got up and walked out of other places the have similar setups.
QR code can fuck right off. Dinner with family should be a no phone zone. Don’t require me to use it to do your job.

Curious what would happen if one approaches a person in the restraunt and tells them no one in our party has a cell phone. Can you send a human over?

 

[530RL]

Unemployment is 3.5% and many who are working don’t really want to work and that is reflected in their work product.

The demographics continue to get worse in America for workers as our population ages and we live longer.

Automation is the future. Not because customers or workers necessarily want it, but because we simply don’t have the available workers.

 

[WildWilly]

I guess it depends on how you look at it, for the every day, day to day kind of stuff versus an actual dining experience. But I am also the guy that usually prefers self checkout at the grocery store. I don't look at it as me doing their job for them as much as I see it limiting the opportunity to deal with stupid people. And these days, in a lot of "service" industries, stupid is abundant.

So if I am at just an average dinner place, this wouldn't bother me, since today's average server at a basic dining place doesn't rank too high on the skill and motivation chart.

 

[Yldboyz]

I see this everywhere I go now, receive the menu once you scan the QR code... The tip thing is out of hand as well, I'm asked to tip just about everywhere I go. I'm waiting for the 7-11 to start asking for tips...

 

[lbhsbz]

Have a chip on your shoulder, do we ?

As far as the value of an MBA, by no means is it perfect and I never said it was. There’s plenty of lazy stupid people that have MBA’s as well as hard working smart ones. I went to a higher end school and even then, we had plenty of both. Every business has people that look great on paper, it’s not that unique of a scenario.

As far as the cost of people not returning due to being asked to leave a tip, that’s absolutely a risk. I think there’s very few people that would do that, especially if the business has a worthwhile product, but again that’s just my opinion. Clearly yours is different.

Nope, just pointing out the obvious....that if any education led someone to believe that a tablet on a table would be better than personalized service....they overpaid for that education.

I'll attempt to make my point in a different manner. Are you more or less inclined to keep doing business with a place that got rid of people picking up the phone to provide customer service and instead replaced them with a completely automated voice command system that is impossible to navigate....like the majority of them are?

 

[530RL]

Because customers will get up and walk out and the books don't reflect that loss. In my experience dealing with MBAs....the education required for the degree is lacking. Come to think of it....every single business I've been a part of that installed a management team of people with business degrees has gone down the toilet at an alarming rate. The ones that have been run by folks with no real education seem to be kicking ass and taking names. odd.

Some don't seem to understand that you have to look past the spreadsheet to see the big picture.

College and graduate school is not necessarily an indication that one knows anything or learned anything, it is an indication that one can stick to something, accomplish it in a set period, and deliver relative results depending on one’s grades.

It’s a sorting methodology that is much cheaper to a business than constantly hiring people who can’t stick to the task, show up or deliver a result.

 

[CLdrinker]

Curious what would happen if one approaches a person in the restraunt and tells them no one in our party has a cell phone. Can you send a human over?

Probably the same thing if you pay your Bill but add change to get whole dollars back. Freaking melt down.

Can not compute....

 

[Boatymcboatface]

Have a chip on your shoulder, do we ?

As far as the value of an MBA, by no means is it perfect and I never said it was. There’s plenty of lazy stupid people that have MBA’s as well as hard working smart ones. I went to a higher end school and even then, we had plenty of both. Every business has people that look great on paper, it’s not that unique of a scenario.

As far as the cost of people not returning due to being asked to leave a tip, that’s absolutely a risk. I think there’s very few people that would do that, especially if the business has a worthwhile product, but again that’s just my opinion. Clearly yours is different.

That chip on the shoulder comment is exactly what I’d expect a guy with a MBA to say.

 

[ChrisV]

I’m on my phone too much. So when I go to dinner I like to be off it. Making these digital menus sucks ass.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Nope, just pointing out the obvious....that if any education led someone to believe that a tablet on a table would be better than personalized service....they overpaid for that education.

I'll attempt to make my point in a different manner. Are you more or less inclined to keep doing business was a place that got rid of people picking up the phone to provide customer service and instead replaced them with a completely automated voice command system that is impossible to navigate....like the majority of them are?

There are times when I’d rather take the tablet on the table than some peoples version of “personalization”

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

That chip on the shoulder comment is exactly what I’d expect a guy with a MBA to say.

The Dr. will see you now…

 

[Dan Lorenze]

Curious what would happen if one approaches a person in the restraunt and tells them no one in our party has a cell phone. Can you send a human over?

At the place Dan is talking about you would then order your food and drinks at the bar and they would bring it out to you, like many places do. But this place is not a typical sit-down restaurant.

 

[17 10 Flat]

The Dr. will see you now…

Me next, I need to see a Dr.
At least I'm told that on a regular basis. By one of the voices I hear.

 

[Singleton]

Curious what would happen if one approaches a person in the restraunt and tells them no one in our party has a cell phone. Can you send a human over?

you get menus and a server.
I have done it. Told the hostess we are a no phone at dinner family, so we will need menus and a server.
Manager walked over, told him the same thing and next thing you know we had a server and paper menus.
Server got 30% and when she saw the tip, she said “thank you, that is the biggest tip I have gotten since I started”. Told her, tips are based on connections, not electronics

 

[17 10 Flat]

you get menus and a server.
I have done it. Told the hostess we are a no phone at dinner family, so we will need menus and a server.
Manager walked over, told him the same thing and next thing you know we had a server and paper menus.
Server got 30% and when she saw the tip, she said “thank you, that is the biggest tip I have gotten since I started”. Told her, tips are based on connections, not electronics

Was it a cash tip? if a CC tip probably everyone got a taste.

 

[stonehenge]

Tablet on table gets flipped upside down or pushed aside. QR code, f-that unsecure BS. Table runners, lame. BUILT IN SERVICE/COST OF LIVING FEE, walking out immediately or if pre-yelped find a place that doesn't play this commie game.

I love eating out, and I enjoy good service almost as much as good food.

The restaurant industry is taking full advantage of the kung-flu culture and inflation.

Mom & pop places that get this fact, strive, the ones that don't already took the ppp money and ran.

The corp. franchise places, well most of them are crap, the few that aren't struggle with the bottom line because they don't have a clue.

I'm a BIG tipper, and only tip with cash. (and use small bills and medium bills just in case the micro-mngr is hovering to steal the tip back and make sure the server gets it directly, even spiff hostesses/waiters randomly at our frequented places) Not a baller, just a fat guy who loves to eat out!

Our cell phones stay in the car, or our pockets or purses, or even "heaven forbid" are left at home when we go out.

 

[Singleton]

Was it a cash tip? if a CC tip probably everyone got a taste.

my first job was a bus boy. Cash tips never made it to us. CC tips always did.
When I moved up to server, the other servers could not figure out why my section was always golden and the kitchen staff always was on point for my orders.

I was the only server who made sure my bussers and kitchen staff got a cut of cash and cc tips

 

[poncho]

Tips have doubled, service has gone backwards an equal amount...It's getting old.

 

[Racey]

I won't play this QR smartphone bullshit at a restaurant. If you don't have a menu for me to look at I'm out. And i certainly won't be doing some CC input either.

 

[lbhsbz]

my first job was a bus boy. Cash tips never made it to us. CC tips always did.
When I moved up to server, the other servers could not figure out why my section was always golden and the kitchen staff always was on point for my orders.

I was the only server who made sure my bussers and kitchen staff got a cut of cash and cc tips

I worked as a bar back for a while...mostly because I was there every night anyway...might as well stand behind the bar and have something to do and not pay for drinks. They paid me $40/night IIRC. My first weekend the manager handed me $100 or so at the end of the night and told me that was my tip. I handed $20 each to other 5 still in attendence at that point....I was there for the free drinks, nothing more...lol. Got free food too after that.

 

[poncho]

my first job was a bus boy. Cash tips never made it to us. CC tips always did.
When I moved up to server, the other servers could not figure out why my section was always golden and the kitchen staff always was on point for my orders.

I was the only server who made sure my bussers and kitchen staff got a cut of cash and cc tips

My Ex Wife was the best server I've ever witnessed and I'm not saying that out of bias. She was very generous with the kitchen staff and they loved her for it.
She put herself through 4 years of college and enjoyed it so much she continued to pick up a couple nights a week for the next 25 years as a 2nd job.
Customers were asking to be seated in her section 10 years or more from the first time she served them.

She set the bar for me from then on forward, rarely do I see someone that has her hustle and graciousness.

 

[Tremor Therapy]

College and graduate school is not necessarily an indication that one knows anything or learned anything, it is an indication that one can stick to something, accomplish it in a set period, and deliver relative results depending on one’s grades.

It’s a sorting methodology that is much cheaper to a business than constantly hiring people who can’t stick to the task, show up or deliver a result.

This right here.
An MBA with no experience is a hard sell if another candidate has 5+ years of successful work experience.

 

[Singleton]

I worked as a bar back for a while...mostly because I was there every night anyway...might as well stand behind the bar and have something to do and not pay for drinks. They paid me $40/night IIRC. My first weekend the manager handed me $100 or so at the end of the night and told me that was my tip. I handed $20 each to other 5 still in attendence at that point....I was there for the free drinks, nothing more...lol. Got free food too after that.

Worked bar back in college - when on shift we could not drink. Nights off, normally got free beer / drinks depending on who was behind the bar. I worked Thursday through Saturday nights. Worked up to bartender and took too long to get seniority to work Thursday to Saturday, that I dropped back to bar back on those nights and tended Sunday and Tuesday. I was making mad cash for a college kid

 

[Western Flyer]

I tip for quality service, generously, but I'm going out less and less over feeling like I'm being asked to subsidize the owner's labor costs, over and above the labor percentage built into the meal price. I sure as Hell don't ask or guilt trip for a tip in my line of work.

 

[River Runnin]

That place wouldn't get a fooking dime from me!

 

[hallett21]

Wife and I go to tarantula once a month. They’ve got good food and good beers. I’m not a big fan of their system but I will say that whatever you order on your phone shows up right as it’s ready. They effectively just have servers bringing food and beer out as it’s ready.

If they want to hack my credit card great. They can go fight with Amex.

As far as tipping there’s still guys making burgers and pizzas. Someone’s pouring the beer and the servers are moving the food/drinks. I tip 20%

 

[NicPaus]

The Prospector is similar. I think most Firestone Walker locations are. Before they can even bring me a menu I am getting a beer brought out. When I want another beer, appetizers or food it's fast. Need something else just ask the person dropping off the beer and they get it. Not a restaurant it's a brewery. But damn there food is better than most restaurants.

 

[rivermobster]

So went out to dinner tonight to restaurant in Thousand Oaks called Tarantula Hill Brewing. we sat there for a bit waiting for a server before realizing that
on the table they have QR code.
scan that and place your order, each item has check marks so you add or subtract what you want with each item, you also have to enter your cc info in order to place the order,
after that someone comes out puts the order on table and walks away, no conversation no asking if you need anything, want another drink add to the order, it was weird because i had to just guess what beer i wanted since they were there all their own varieties, ( no Coors Light) Maybe they assume everyone is a repeat customer?

So when i go to pay the bill on the order it pops up with tip 25% 20% 18% other, now i am normally a very good tipper, but this whole thing was kind of a pain in the ass and rubbed me wrong,
I have zero issues tipping for service but What service? i get better service at a fast food place than this, granted its not a Mastro's but it also wasn't a cheap dinner.
and they did have people picking up tables etc

I was just trying to figure out what i was tipping for,

Maybe this is the future but sure not what i want when going out to Dinner

I suppose you could blame all the dune and dash customers for this?

As always, a small few ruin it for the rest of us.

The good news is you don't have to worry about some dumbass getting your order wrong and then spitting it your food for sending it back!

I hardly ever eat out. But I stick to mid to upper end restaurants if I do.

Middle of the road restaurants are junk.