What do you tip for counter service? Bluto's sounds like a hybrid….you order at the counter but they bring you your food and bus the table.
If it's order at the counter, pick up at the counter, get your own water, your own utensils, napkins and bus your own plates…it's basically like buying something at a hardware store. But this sounds a bit more service oriented.
Good question. Just so you know my bias: I used to work at a counter service restaurant. In addition to taking orders, I cooked, cleaned, made drinks, etc. I always felt like that behind the scenes work wasn't taken into account when people chose their tipping percentage, even though it's essential to creating a nice dining experience.
I also have family who works in food service, and I know how much they rely on tips to get through the month. So I am one of the 2/3 of Americans (according to a Yelp survey) who always tip 20%.
But that being said: I wish tipping didn't exist. I wish we didn't have to feel responsible for supplementing employees' incomes. I wish people didn't feel the pressure to tip X% every single time. It's this bizarre grey area of dining -- and a "fast casual plus" restaurant really highlights how confusing our tipping system/logic can be.
It’s so tricky. Like what counts as counter service? Is grabbing a coffee the same thing as getting a full meal? In such a diverse industry, it’s hard to apply universal rules.
That’s a great question about tax free tips. I have no clue what those implications will be but am also curious. Another layer of complexity!
I love Blutos! Some of the best pita and hummus in town. Your description of the pita is spot-on, too!
It’s soooo good. I’m always in the mood for Bluto’s!
What do you tip for counter service? Bluto's sounds like a hybrid….you order at the counter but they bring you your food and bus the table.
If it's order at the counter, pick up at the counter, get your own water, your own utensils, napkins and bus your own plates…it's basically like buying something at a hardware store. But this sounds a bit more service oriented.
Good question. Just so you know my bias: I used to work at a counter service restaurant. In addition to taking orders, I cooked, cleaned, made drinks, etc. I always felt like that behind the scenes work wasn't taken into account when people chose their tipping percentage, even though it's essential to creating a nice dining experience.
I also have family who works in food service, and I know how much they rely on tips to get through the month. So I am one of the 2/3 of Americans (according to a Yelp survey) who always tip 20%.
But that being said: I wish tipping didn't exist. I wish we didn't have to feel responsible for supplementing employees' incomes. I wish people didn't feel the pressure to tip X% every single time. It's this bizarre grey area of dining -- and a "fast casual plus" restaurant really highlights how confusing our tipping system/logic can be.
I wonder how Trump’s promise of tax free tips would change things if it happens??
It’s so tricky. Like what counts as counter service? Is grabbing a coffee the same thing as getting a full meal? In such a diverse industry, it’s hard to apply universal rules.
That’s a great question about tax free tips. I have no clue what those implications will be but am also curious. Another layer of complexity!
Yeah my understanding of US tipping practices is this:
Full-service restaurants: 15–20% of the pre-tax bill is standard. For exceptional service, it may go up to 20–25%.
Counter service: Tipping is optional, but small tips (5-10%) are common if there's a tip jar or good service.
I just looked at this tipping survey.
https://www.creditcards.com/statistics/tipping-poll/
This was interesting/eye-opening:
At restaurants:
73% always tip.
14% tip most of the time.
9% tip sometimes.
4% never tip.
AND
only 13% always tip for takeout food, with 39% never tipping.
"Bluto’s will join the growing cohort of establishments that are opening locations in the suburbs"
Any restaurant owner with a brain is getting out of Portland. Makes senes….less vandalism, less taxes and people are moving out of Portland.