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

  • @MisterFrog
    1•2 days ago

    American tipping culture is so pervasive, anerican POS software companies don’t even bother localising POS systems to remove the tipping step.

    Like, why is this button here, practically no one is ever going to use it.

    If we leave a tip, it’s in a tip-jar almost without exception, in cash. It’s where you put your poop change or a couple of gold coins ($1 or $2)

    (Australia)

    Grumble