ECONOMY & WORK
MONEY 101
NEWS
PERSONAL FINANCE
NET WORTH
About Us Contact Us Privacy Policy Terms of Use DMCA Opt-out of personalized ads
© Copyright 2023 Market Realist. Market Realist is a registered trademark. All Rights Reserved. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.
MARKETREALIST.COM / ECONOMY & WORK

Cheesecake Factory Sparks Discussion With Its Optional 18% Tipping Policy

The menu and other restaurant policies highlight that customers are always free to choose how much to tip.
PUBLISHED MAR 15, 2024
Cover Image Source: The Cheesecake Factory’s tipping policy | Vivid_Papaya2422 | Reddit
Cover Image Source: The Cheesecake Factory’s tipping policy | Vivid_Papaya2422 | Reddit

A recent discussion on Reddit's r/EndTipping topic has drawn attention to The Cheesecake Factory, not because of its wide menu selection, but because of how it handles tipping. Reddit user @Vivid_Papaya2422 posted an image of The Cheesecake Factory's menu. Tipping is explicitly stated as entirely at the discretion of the visitor. However, a suggested tip of 18% is included in the bill for the convenience of bigger groups (8 or more persons). However, it's not required to pay this recommended sum. The menu and other restaurant policies highlight that customers are always free to choose how much to tip.

Image Source: Cheesecake Factory Instagram
Cheesecake | Cheesecake Factory | Instagram

The user stated how happy they were to see this policy listed on the menu. Although they usually don't mind tipping, they liked that the automatic 18% tip is indicated as optional. This points to a possible change in the customs surrounding tipping in the hospitality sector. Many members of the community were moved by the factory's take on tipping, which promotes eliminating the need for incentives for American workers, and shared their thoughts on the topic.

One well-known commenter put it like this: "This is good. Tipping should be a choice, not a requirement."  This opinion is in line with a rising belief among American customers that although tipping is conventional, it shouldn't be required. Another person noted that they appreciated this policy, saying: "It's kind of refreshing." However, not everyone was convinced by what could be seen as a surface-level change by Cheesecake Factory Corporate.

Image Source : Vivid_Papaya2422 | Reddit
Image Source: Vivid_Papaya2422 | Reddit

Another person looked at the situation more closely and said, "I want to believe this is a positive change, but in some ways, it might be worse than a mandatory 18% tip. The company can look good while knowing that hardly anyone would dare not tip in a large group."

1
Image Source: Vivid_Papaya2422 | Reddit

This discussion happened because The Cheesecake Factory has been getting negative attention lately. Over 60 janitors filed a lawsuit claiming they were paid too little. The company's new tipping policy might be an attempt to win back customers or change the conversation. A recent study revealed that over 75% of Americans think tipping has become too common, with requests for tips popping up in almost every transaction, from small stores to vape shops and any business with a payment system.

Reddit users are cautiously hopeful about this change, but many aren't expecting too much. As one person said, "Why not just let people choose every time? More customers mean more money, especially since larger groups often spend more, especially for celebrations." However, some still think that the small print shows improvement in tipping culture. One commenter said, "I like that they clearly say it can be removed, even though it puts the customer in an uncomfortable spot (on purpose) because it acknowledges that it's the customer's choice. More language like this would quickly inform consumers about their rights and make it clear they don't have to tip a specific rate or amount. It's a step in the right direction."

MORE ON MARKET REALIST
For people with allergies, exposure to some of the allergic ingredients can trigger a wide range of reactions.
4 hours ago
Numbers gathered by economists show that Trump's claims in his WSJ piece are misinformed at best.
5 hours ago
While the ownership rate rebounded after years of decline, millennials still feel cost is a hurdle.
1 day ago
TrumpRx costs may be as much as 80% less than normal listings, though actual savings may differ.
1 day ago
The Amazon boss laid off a third of The Washington Post employees, including reporters on duty.
1 day ago
Members are now required to scan their membership cards simply to get inside a Costco store.
1 day ago
Natalie's younger daughter Bailey couldn't hold back her tears after her mother won a grand total of $63,990.
1 day ago
It seemed at one point that the contestant might have missed her chance to win big.
2 days ago
The FDA recently slapped a Class-II warning label on the product, which was sold by the thousands.
2 days ago
The city's law dictates that all businesses using such surveillance tech must make it public.
2 days ago
"I mean, if he came in and said, 'I want to raise them' ... he would not have gotten the job," Trump emphasized on Warsh's role.
2 days ago
He also claimed that such billionaires pay their taxes and give their wealth back to the community.
2 days ago
"Best sliced aged white cheddar in the market that’s farmer-owned and uses zero hormones, zero RBSt, and zero GMO in dairy," a user wrote.
2 days ago
Griffin expressed unease over alleged favoritism, saying that CEOs find it repulsive that the government interacts with corporate America.
2 days ago
"Daniel solved the "bear hug" and continued hugging people, even hugging a car! He was a spectacular sight today," a fan reacted.
2 days ago
While the official website says contributions could grow over $1 million, the details are unclear.
3 days ago
Fans of the show loved what Jennings had discovered and made their feelings known.
3 days ago
The contestant took the advice of her man, who was in the studio audience.
3 days ago
Under this scheme, home buyers will have three years to pay the down payment.
3 days ago
The labeling error meant that the bottles did not show a lot number and expiration date.
3 days ago