Summary

Tipping in U.S. restaurants has dropped to 19.3%, the lowest in six years, driven by frustration over rising menu prices and increased prompts for tips in non-traditional settings.

Only 38% of consumers tipped 20% or more in 2024, down from 56% in 2021, reflecting tighter budgets.

Diners are cutting back on outings, spending less, and tipping less. Some restaurants are adding service fees, further reducing tips.

Worker advocacy groups are pushing to eliminate the tipped-wage system, while the restaurant industry warns these shifts hurt business and employees.

Key cities like D.C. and Chicago are phasing in higher minimum wages for tipped workers.

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  • @[email protected]
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    481 month ago

    I wonder if all of the places like Subway that are asking for tips and getting $0 because who the hell tips at a Subway, are throwing off this stat at all.

    • @[email protected]
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      281 month ago

      Probably not directly, but I think tipping fatigue is definitely affecting things. If you’ve been prompted 10 times already to tip at places you usually wouldn’t tip and then are in a sit down restaurant, you may very well feel inclined to tip less.

      • @AbidanYre
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        131 month ago

        Employees at places like Subway and Starbucks could be getting screwed by no one using cash anymore too.

        If I’m using a card there’s no change to toss in the jar.

        • @krashmo
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          121 month ago

          We shouldn’t have to subsidize someone else’s shitty wages. People who rely on tips need to unionize and put that nonsense to bed for good.

    • @jeffwM
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      181 month ago

      Considering the article specifies “full-service restaurants,” Imma go with no

    • @[email protected]
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      01 month ago

      People will judge you more for going to a subway in the first place then not tipping at one.

      You can make a sandwich. I believe in you.

      • @[email protected]
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        61 month ago

        You don’t go to subway because you want a sandwich. You go to subway because you know you need to put a food like substance in your food hole and you don’t have the time or mental capacity to do it properly.