Restaurants in some FIFA World Cup host cities in the United States are taking measures to account for increased international visitors. Many restaurants are adding automatic gratuities to customer checks, aiming to address potential undercompensation by guests from countries less familiar with tipping. The Missouri Restaurant Association previously advised Kansas City establishments to apply a 20% automatic gratuity during the tournament.
Now, cities like Atlanta and Philadelphia are following suit, as reported by Food & Wine. The initiative seeks to safeguard workers reliant on tips and avoid misunderstandings about American tipping standards. Notices about the surcharge will be visible on menus and around the premises. Bob Riekhof, general manager of La Bodega in Kansas City, emphasized the importance of clear communication. “Our servers will inform guests that the gratuity is already included in the check,” he said.
Ben Fileccia from the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association expressed that business owners prefer their staff not have to explain tipping customs. He believes the notices will help make transactions smoother.
Despite the benefits outlined, some worry about consumer backlash. David Henkes of Technomic, a food industry research firm, mentioned potential customer frustration over added costs. Michele Bermuvez, co-owner of Brewhouse Café in Atlanta, acknowledged possible resistance but stressed the necessity of taking care of staff.
However, not all establishments find automatic gratuities necessary. Robert Mahon of Mahon Hospitality expressed a preference for tips based on service quality, not events. At their New York pub, London & Martin Co., they will maintain standard pricing, offering $6 pints during the event. Mahon aims to create a welcoming atmosphere to attract returning customers.
This discussion highlights a broader issue in the restaurant industry: whether automatic gratuities are essential to bridge cultural gaps or whether quality service and clear pricing will naturally lead to voluntary tipping.