Summary
Tipping in U.S. restaurants has dropped to 19.3%, the lowest in six years, driven by frustration over rising menu prices and increased prompts for tips in non-traditional settings.
Only 38% of consumers tipped 20% or more in 2024, down from 56% in 2021, reflecting tighter budgets.
Diners are cutting back on outings, spending less, and tipping less. Some restaurants are adding service fees, further reducing tips.
Worker advocacy groups are pushing to eliminate the tipped-wage system, while the restaurant industry warns these shifts hurt business and employees.
Key cities like D.C. and Chicago are phasing in higher minimum wages for tipped workers.
That’s funny, wife and I haven’t even tipped at all in years
Wait, no, I lie, I did tip the lady who went above and beyond this one time to make sure my meal went super smooth
ETA: lol, knew I’d get downvoted by butthurt idiots who don’t know shit. I live in one of the states with full minimum wage for the tipped roles (5 bucks more if it’s fast food) so why the fuck should I tip anyone if they’re making the same as anyone else at the bottom of the ladder?
Buncha fools