One thing about that place is that it's somewhat overpriced, but again, considering their monopoly in town - it's not that surprising. So, I called them to order something to go, figured by the time I get there they should be done with it... you know how that works...
To my surprise the lady on the phone told me that the price would include gratuity of 15%. I agreed, not really thinking about it much and went on my way.
On the way I started analyzing that conversation and got totally turned off by the concept. After all - isn't gratuity suppose to be something you voluntarily provide & is strictly based on the quality of service delivered? Certain there are plenty of better restaurants that inform you right on their menus that they'll charge something automatically for handling larger parties of people, which is totally understandable, although I certainly would call something else rather than what typical tips are for. But to have a place force a gratuity on me, when I placed a phone-based order (yes, these people are obviously not on the ball in the online ordering department either, although they could certainly benefit from one based on what I've seen... just haven't evolved to Takeout Online yet) for 2 people - now driving I thought it was totally outrageous.
So, what did I do once I got to the restaurant... well, I went back to my typical thinking of 'nobody forced me to place that order', so I just paid and left, but I did want to make this entry on it. I hope what The Original House of Pancakes did isn't the norm to come. It's wrong and there's no need to redefine the word 'gratuity', which dictionary.com describes as:
| 1. | a gift of money, over and above payment due for service, as to a waiter or bellhop; tip. |
| 2. | something given without claim or demand. |
Would I order from them again because of this little situation, which cost me a measly $1.50 extra? In a word - NO!
After slaving at a restaurant for 7 months in my youth - I certainly know and appreciate the concept of tips, but I'm totally opposed to turning it into revenue generator, and I will not give my business to anyone who misuses the concept.
Philosophically speaking, it's rather amazing how such an inconsequential amount of money can cost a customer, permanently no less. But it does and restaurants should consider such moves carefully. In the end I think they'll become losers, not winners, even when they're the only game in town.
P.S. Btw, my father-in-law makes better crepes, so I'll be fine... :)
