"noting that tips are pooled and shared among both front- and back-of-house employees, a practice that remains relatively uncommon, though increasingly adopted. "Every member of our team plays a vital role in your experience," the post continued. "I understand what it's like to feel overlooked. So, I kindly ask you, whether you're dining in or taking out, to consider the incredible individuals who've been in the shop since 4 a.m., making sorcery happen.""
"The message quickly drew criticism. Some commenters described the post as tone-deaf, while others called it "digital panhandling." Comments were later disabled, but the discussion spread to TikTok, Reddit and Facebook, expanding into broader arguments over tip prompts, living wages and whether self-service businesses should ask for gratuities. The reaction reflects wider consumer unease, as rising costs make customers more sensitive to requests for tips."
"A 2025 Bankrate survey found that 41% of Americans now say tipping culture has "gotten out of control," up from 30% in 2023, while 38% said digital tip prompts are annoying. "Social pressure pushes customers into a responsibility they don't necessarily want or believe they should have," the Harvard Business Review reported in January, noting that nearly two-thirds of customers said they"
A bakery owner said gratuities declined after a relocation and that the tip pool significantly contributes to staff earnings. The post explained that tips are pooled and shared among both front- and back-of-house employees and asked customers, whether dining in or taking out, to consider staff who start work at 4 a.m. The message drew criticism, with some calling it tone-deaf or "digital panhandling." Comments were disabled and the conversation spread across TikTok, Reddit and Facebook, fueling debates over tip prompts, living wages, and whether self-service businesses should request gratuities. A 2025 Bankrate survey found 41% of Americans say tipping culture has "gotten out of control," and 38% find digital tip prompts annoying. A Harvard Business Review report said social pressure pushes customers into responsibilities they may not want.
Read at The Mercury News
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