Does Promising a Higher Tip Mean Better Service?

By Laura Hahnefeld Wed., Nov. 28 2012 at 8:00 AM

Welcome to Chow Bella's Bites & Dishes, where Valley chefs and restaurateurs respond to a question New Times food critic Laura Hahnefeld has on her mind. Have a question you'd like to ask? E-mail laura.hahnefeld@newtimes.com. Miss a question? Go here.

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Usually, tips are something left at the end of a dining experience. But what happens when the promise of a big one is made up front? Should the guest expect better service?

I asked a few Valley chefs and restaurateurs this question, and here's what they had to say.

Kirsten Burruel, General Manager,
DownUnder Wines and Bistro

I don't believe that it does. If you present yourself well, are knowledgeable about the food, and understand the drinks, you should be the lucky recipient of a good tip! When someone promises a higher tip, it sets me up for failure because I feel the pressure of needing to impress more and don't know what the expectation is. Everyone should get great service from a relaxed and passionate server.

Chris Osborn,
Owner, Cadillac Ranch

That can backfire sometimes because some servers are cynical by nature. So I'd say 70 percent of the time it will work.

Cullen Campbell,
Chef and Owner, Crudo

No, just being nice and having an interest in what the restaurant has to offer gets you better service than promising a good tip that may never show up anyway.

Aaron May, Chef and Restaurateur

As a restaurant owner, I would hope not. Every guest deserves the same high level of service, regardless of tip. A large tip is the customer's way of rewarding that excellence, but by no means should a bigger tip be required to receive it. At my restaurants, we don't refer to VIPs, we don't tell our staff to provide a higher level of service or to pay more attention to any guest in particular. We might "show some love" with a mid course, a free dessert, or a round of cocktails, but the level of service both in the front and back of house should remain constant.

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lorihassler

Verbal tipping or the promises thereof are about as genuine as claims of being "well endowed." I agree with Christopher and Dave, it is usually offered up by people who want "special treatment," or who look for any reason to deduct from said tip. Not a good sign. When you frequent a joint, and tip well regularly for good service and food, you get a reputation with the staff. Dine REGULARLY at LOCAL RESTAURANTS! Build your credentials, support local establishments! I have experienced both waiting tables and restaurant ownership. It matters very much where you place your dollars.

brad.mcneal

As a server, my putz-radar goes off when this occurs. Usually a disappointing ending. In reference to the "loaded handshake", now your talking! Unless I sneak a look as I walk away and its a Washington and not a few Jacksons or better.

Chris Stuckey

Dave Andrea has it right. Others have good points, but overall they are all chefs/owners. What do they know about working for $2.35/hr? Or delivering said service? Sounds like a bunch of armchair quarterbacks.

Chris Stuckey

As a former server, it certainly illicits it. But depends in what you mean by better... Spend a little more time, maybe. Sacrifice other guests service, no.

teknik

When a guest promises a "big tip" up front it means if your lucky you'll get a tad over 15%.

I've never had one of these self proclaimed "big tippers" actually give me a good tip. I served for a decade and have had my share of stiffs, walk outs, and massive tips over $100.00+ when the bill wasn't enormous.

Kimberlynn Hall Tovrea

ha! I've done it before with apathetic newby waitstaff at our football view in bar - lay out a stack of one dollar bills and let them know my expectations (centered around the service we were accustomed to)... took a dollar away anytime we had to sit and wait on drink refills, hadn't seen them come by in a while to check on us, etc. Only had to do it once, then they were "trained"... sorry if that sounds harsh - but we understood the realities of the restaurant we were at and how a view in could prohibit the turning of tables and thus their overall take home on tips - we tipped VERY well.....