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.

Non-paywall link

  • @AtariDump
    1•11 hours ago

    Tips are much better now.

    As prices go up and wages stagnate, expect tipping to continue to drop as less people eat out and people tip less.

    • arglebargleEnglish
      2•8 hours ago

      Yea, as people eat out less and restaurants close, the tipping question kind of becomes moot.