Restaurant service fees

Quote: GenoDRPh

Service charge is BS. They'll justify it by saying it's to pay the waitstaff a higher base wage, or to cover medical insurance for the staff or some such foolishness. Better in my mind to just increase prices 5% instead, That way there are no surprises. I would've tipped my usual amount 20% rounded up or down to the nearest whole dollar on the price of food and booze AND the tax, but subtracted the service charge from the tip and tell the manager why. As for tipping on the tax, tipping on the tax usually only adds a few cents to the tip anyway.
link to original post

A few cents? Dinner for two…. $200. Sales tax. $17.50. 20% tip. Extra tip $3.50. Not pennies.

Also…. So you tell the MANAGER you are paying the fee he gets but is cutting what the waiter gets? I think the manager will say …. Great! See you next time!

Wow, just one more reason to reconsider traveling to sin city.

This was probably inevitable.

Why wouldn't restaurants want to add a "service fee" for nothing of substance when they see how the casinos get away with a comparable "resort fee?"

Quote: Gialmere

CNF fees.....

Hey trying to follow along here, but what does CNF mean ?

Quote: JohnnyQ

Quote: Gialmere

CNF fees.....

Hey trying to follow along here, but what does CNF mean ?
link to original post

The Customer's Now F****d?

OK thanks, that makes sense. Now what does F****d mean ?

Yup. If I've made the decision to dine out, I've also made the calculus to tip on a possible 7 percent meals tax, depending on the town here in MA. That's my decision, at least. Your mileage, however, may vary. And if there's a "service charge", there won't be a "next time".

Quote: JohnnyQ

OK thanks, that makes sense. Now what does F****d mean ?
link to original post

Go to a bar/restaurant in Vegas and you'll find out! ;)

OK, that was a joke, as was my previous post. I had to look it up...

According to LVA, CNF stands for Concession and Franchise Fee. Not sure why it wouldn't be abbreviated CFF. Maybe it's an abbreviation of "Concession 'N' Franchise" fees?

Your other definition made a lot of sense and also seems very applicable.

I don't know the current laws in downtown Vegas, but you can maybe ask for it to be removed. Some regions will have a tourist commission type organization where all restaurants and some other venues will charge a small service fee (that goes towards the tourism fund for ads and shows and such), and put it on the bill by default, but have to take it off if asked to.

"Service Fees" are common on delivery (especially via app usually with the explanation that it is used to gas and mileage reimbursements, but is not an actual tip), but I have never heard of a forced one in a restaurant. But, outside of the scenario above (and service fee is not often used, it may be "tourism fee" or such), I have never heard of one simply for being served (if it is a placed that automates a minimum level of gratuity, they should simply say "mandatory gratuity" or something along those lines).

As an aside sales tax in NV is getting pricey, over 8% is a lot, I didn't even know there were States above the 7s now (especially if local cities are allowed to add their own on top of it, if they add the standard 2-4% range you are talking double digits sales tax).

You can always make an anonymous call to the restaurant (or email them) and ask exactly what it is and if its mandatory. Also, it would be interesting if this applied to carry out (not delivery).

10% in some Arizona localities.