
I rarely eat out. Maybe once a month. Went yesterday to a restaurant (Italian, Mediterranean) in West Seattle for Mother’s Day last night. Total for 5 of us ( we don’t drink alcohol) with one salad, humus and 3 vegetarian pastas was $97 The check said 3.5% surcharge for credit card. Then 17% service fee, mandatory. Then tips were 20% 22% and 25% optional. I asked if I could pay in cash. No. They don’t take cash. Then how can I avoid the credit card fee I asked. You can’t. So I asked why the service charge. It pays for the employees they said. Then why the tip I asked. It pays for front office staff I don’t get it.





