05/27/2026
I am getting so very tired of the "tipping" posts. You know the ones that say 30 or 40% is average. Where do these people live? Then we get those that want to know why tipping is based on check amount either before or after tax. So I have just researched. "Tipping" began in the 1840s, and always a percentage of sale or service. My guess is back then it was probably 2%. I remember when it was ten percent. I also remember when the government began taxing tips. It was sometime in the late 70's. My weekly paycheck had always been around $125.00. I got home and got my little check out to deposit. It was for 14.00! I called the manager of the restaurant I worked at. He told me that we now had to pay tax on tips. "How do you know what I make in tips?" I asked, "it is based on your sales", he told me. We tax you on 12% of your sales. In those days, 10% was the average tip. Not to mention if I did not get tipped at all, not only did I lose that tip, but it cost all of us actual money! I quit and took a full time desk job! Over the years, I have worked "serving" as well as my day job. Then, moving to Florida, I realized my 20 years of experience in a plumbing supply house, would make me 5.15 per hour! I was on salary up north, figured it to about 22.00 per hour. So it was back to being a server. (It was a waitress then, but that apparently that too, has been added to the list of politically incorrect descriptions)
Anyway, ya, 30% is a very high tip. 18 to 20 percent is average. Also, though tip is based on check, service comes very much into play. If you get a server (see even.I can be politically correct) that takes your order, makes suggestions on combos that may save you $$, keeps your drink full, checks on your table a few minutes after serving your food, clears your plate when you are finished, asks if you would like more coffee/tea/or whatever. Also does this with a smile, brings your children something to keep them busy and happy. Yes, that server deserves a 20% tip. If they take your order. Do not do any of the above, frankly, I would not tip at all. If they make you angry...leave under 50 cents. Then they know it was not that you forgot, its that their server was better suited to McDonalds.
Tipping is not a set thing. Food costs everywhere are high, menus are going up everywhere, one should not have to remortgage their home to eat out at a semi high end restaurants once every few months! At 100.00 a head, a couple is looking at another 40.00 for a tip? Or according to the buzz online...60 to 80 dollars for a tip? Let's not get crazy out there!
The ladies are very lucky at Minnies. Our customers have always been generous and we thank you all for that. Last weekend we had our very first "chew and screw" A couple came in, they ate quite a bit. The check was around 50.00. They said they wanted to pay with Zelle. No worries, yes, we are slowly moving into this century. So they told our Kaylee that the payment went thru. I get an imeadiate text when this happens. Kaylee came to the window, she told them she had to check. I looked...no payment no text...checked bank...nope. Kaylee went back to the table, they were gone, ran outside, completely gone. This whole thing took two minutes. Poor Kaylee! No, she did not have to pay the bill! As many of you know, Kaylee looks to the "good" in everyone, it upset her as they were so "nice"! Prior to Minnie's I worked there for Brian Schultz at Brian's Sunny Side Up. So I have been there since 1996. Our first. Thing is, if you are hungry and can't afford to pay anything, I will feed you. I may not have you sit at a table and expect my servers to (oh Lord not sure here) serve/wait on you. But will be happy to pack a picnic you can eat at the park table behind us. Im not crazy, not top dollar items, but will not let anyone go hungry.
I don't know but I would rather "wait" on someone than "serve" them! Im confused.
Back to my research on the whole tipping thing!
