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I am sure that some of you 'Vibers' have worked in the restaurant industry. I need your advice. As a celebration my wife and I are taking ALL our family (22 in total) to a nice (adult price is $30 cdn...about $24 US , all taxes included) brunch buffet. I dont know if gratuity will be added automatically but if it isnt what is considered a usual % that I should include?

well when your serving yourself I didn't know tips were involved. I have eaten at many places like that and only tipped because of the drinks served as it was not included in the meal.

I havn't worked in a setting like tha before, but what I usual do is in a buffet setting give a tip that is equal to the tax on the bill, I know they don't really take orders and that, but if that are very nice when they do talk to you and get your drinks and stuff like that, go to about another doller or two per person. but I would say in a buffet setting where that are not doing as much work as in a regular restaurant, equal the tax should be fine

If it is a regular nice sit down restaurant, with table service for bringing coffee, clearing plates, etc., typically the tip for a buffet would be at least 10% of the check. Since this is a special event for a large group, if they treat you well and make it a nice occasion for you, go up from the 10% as you think appropriate. Really good food, big spread with lots of different items, great service, nice place, I would probably tip close to a regular sit down, 15-20%.I don't work in the restaurant biz, this is just what I do. Hope you have a great party.

Quote, originally posted by jimincalif »Really good food, big spread with lots of different items, great service, nice place, I would probably tip close to a regular sit down, 15-20%.And this would be the same % as if it was a 'sit down' non buffet restaurant.Quote, originally posted by jimincalif »I don't work in the restaurant biz, this is just what I do. I find tipping such a tricky thing to get right. Quote, originally posted by jimincalif »Hope you have a great party.Thanks for the good wishes.

sorry if I'm latebut I work at a large buffet chain in CanadaWaiters / workers are not allowed to ask for tips from customers either indirectly or indirectly, but average tips are in the 10-15% range. Hope this helps . I tip by satisfaction of service. If unsatisfied, tip would correspond (atleast for me) .. the last time I ate somewhere, the waitress totally neglected our table, was rude, threw the menu on the table, while she served her other tables with more care than ours. Let's just say I left her a bronze circular trophy (penny) for her service .. (in tips)But do understand that most places, waiters do have a pay out to house, and or chef ... At my place, it's 1.8% of total sales others are up to 5% of total sales.

...to add to what the guys have already said, at most restaruants, gratuity is usually included on the bill for larger groups. Look out for it when you're settling the bill (lest you may tip 2x!)

What I don't get is the "tip jar" when you order carryout. I think that is going too far.

Quote, originally posted by jake75 »What I don't get is the "tip jar" when you order carryout. I think that is going too far. I agree. There are two delis here that have tip jars on their counters by the cash register to encourage you to "tip your sandwich maker." Interesting that you're doing that before you've seen your sandwich so you don't know if it was well made or not. But since those people are not servers and neither of those delis offers full service if you sit down there to eat, shouldn't they be paid a "standard" wage anyway instead of the $2 or something that servers get, which tips comprise the rest of?

Quote, originally posted by jimincalif »If it is a regular nice sit down restaurant, with table service for bringing coffee, clearing plates, etc., typically the tip for a buffet would be at least 10% of the check. Since this is a special event for a large group, if they treat you well and make it a nice occasion for you, go up from the 10% as you think appropriate. Really good food, big spread with lots of different items, great service, nice place, I would probably tip close to a regular sit down, 15-20%.This is what I would do too!