Having worked in the food service industry off and on my entire adult life, from fast food to fine dining, I can see this issue from both sides of the coin, especially in regards to tipping. Yes minimum wage now applies to food service workers in most states and yes minimum wages have risen a lot in many states and yes many food service workers are paid more (tho not usually much) than minimum. But please try to remember that the majority of food service industry jobs are part-time, not full-time (especially "front of the house" positions) and that no one in this nation can survive on a part-time minimum wage job, or even a full-time minimum wage job. Tips usually cover day to day living expenses (gas, groceries, etc.), while wages pay the bills (rent, utilities, car payment, insurance, etc). The vast majority of food service workers have little to no employer provided benefits such as paid days off of any kind (including sick leave or vacations), no health care insurance of any kind, and of course no access to participation in profit sharing or employer-contributing retirement plans. Lastly, food service jobs are "shift work", in that a worker's work schedule usually changes from week to week, if not sometimes day to day. It's very difficult to build a stable life for oneself under all these conditions. And yes, the pandemic changed how this nation works and views work. Many folks found out they don't have to be in a cubicle 40 hrs a week to find value in their work or provide value to their employers. A lot of employers discovered this also and while not all were willing to allow work from home situations to continue after the worst of the pandemic had passed, many did. And many of those who were employed by companies that demanded they return to the cubicle found they could quit their jobs and either find more cooperative employers or take the big step to become self-employed free-lancers. The effects of this systemic change in the workforce have been felt from the top echelons of major corporations to the already previously struggling small businesses all across the USA. Middle tier companies were suddenly desperate for workers, offering higher wages and benefit packages to low-skilled workers they became willing to train. This shift of middle tier companies has had the result of hitting the food industry very hard. Why would anyone prefer a part-time minimum wage job with a variable work schedule and zero benefits over a full-time higher paying job with good benefits and a stable work schedule? So yeah, it's not that the owners and managers of food service establishments don't care anymore, it's just that the labor pool they can hire from has just about disappeared. Many of the restaurants that thrived pre-pandemic have gone out of business entirely or are slowly going broke. Large establishments have sections of the floor space closed down because they don't have staff to service it. What staff they do have is over-stretched to service the tables they do have available. Prices have climbed because the only way they can attract workers is with higher wages. The higher wages don't help the workers much tho, given the high costs of living, hence more pressure on diners to tip more generously. The end product is that food service has declined in many customers' views over the past few years, my own included. It's not likely to change any time soon, that I see. It's just that, as a former food service worker, I understand how and why this is happening, although that doesn't mean I have any answers to make it reverse direction. I think it all comes downs to very simple and basic Economics 101: demand for food service from customers is up and supply of folks wanting/willing to work food service jobs is way down. The obvious solution is to try to increase supply of workers, but most food service establishments are already running at extremely tight profit margins, to draw new workers they would have to drastically change their basic business model, a huge gamble few are likely to risk.

@Wildonthego

11 ай бұрын

We are definitely conscientious and sensitive to the needs of others. We are aware of the important matters you've raised, as are most people with whom we discussed this topic. It stands to reason that tips are based on service and quality. Rewarding bad service and quality plays a significant role in guaranteeing more of the same (and vice versa). Certainly what you've shared doesn't change the reality of the issues we've raised in this video. It's actually quite a bit more complex - eg consider workers in retail jobs that are in similar circumstances with low-wage, low hours, little to no "benefits" and largely without receiving tips. In a perfect world, we completely fix the system. In the meantime, we have to seek employment that fits our needs. In many cases, this can be difficult. But it is realistic. [It doesn't hurt to realize that those coming into a restaurant are there for good service and good food - not necessarily with the *primary* goal of offsetting someone's job choice or predicament. In short, treat people well if you want help with your fuel or diapers.] A great way to get tips is to provide good service and quality. Unfortunately, many of the new tactics (featured in this video) harm hardworking people. We'll continue to reward good and reject bad. Thanks so much for watching this one and for providing your comprehensive and valuable viewpoint.

The one thing we love about our full time RV life is that we rarely eat out. We love the ability to make our own food and know what we are eating.

@Wildonthego

11 ай бұрын

That's a great way to do it. Thanks for commenting.

We’re so old that we remember when tipping represented GREAT service and a welcoming attitude…in other words we haven’t been tipping a lot lately LOL!

@Wildonthego

11 ай бұрын

Understood. Consumers will ultimately decide. Thanks for watching this one and for continuing to connect with us over the years.

Good points. We’ve experienced most of what you shared. Tipping expectations seem unreasonable at times, agree. Appreciate the video.

@Wildonthego

11 ай бұрын

It's refreshing when we get good food and service. Thanks for sharing.

Great video, thanks!

@Wildonthego

11 ай бұрын

You're welcome. We're glad you enjoyed it and thank you for taking the time to watch and comment.

Agree with everything you discussed and have seen all of them. We tend to at more fast food now because of some of those issues and because of costs.

@Wildonthego

11 ай бұрын

The less business they receive, the higher their prices go (in attempt to recuperate). This ends up causing less business. In some cases, it might be better to lower (or at least not raise) prices, in order to gain the business (increase volume) that others are losing. The issue is obviously more complex, but there is some wisdom in this. Thanks for watching, liking, commenting, and subscribing. Happy travels.

Spot on guys! I tip very well based upon service. I find it absurd that you even get asked for a tip for take out.

@Wildonthego

11 ай бұрын

We understand. Thanks for watching, commenting, liking, and subscribing.

It’s gotten so I only eat out once a year anymore! One Cafe and a couple restaurants I liked 3-4 years ago I no longer stop at ! Portions are smaller and prices have doubled on some items since the pandemic! It’s still hard in a lot of places with not enough help and shorter hours !

@Wildonthego

11 ай бұрын

Understood. Thanks for continuing to watch and comment, Norman.

Yes, I agree with everything mentioned and more (like unpleasant music, frigid drafts, or certain other customers). For this reasons, we eat at (whatever is) home before venturing out and buy healthy ingredients from the grocery store to assemble our own food ahead of time - definitely healthier, cheaper, cleaner and way kinder to our nervous systems ...

@Wildonthego

11 ай бұрын

That's for sure. Thanks for sharing.

The word TIP meaning is “to insure promptness”.

@Wildonthego

11 ай бұрын

It's sure nice to determine if it was indeed prompt before tipping. Thanks for watch and for sharing your input.

Good video. Weird robot. Can I get one to empty my black and gray tanks?

@Wildonthego

11 ай бұрын

We're glad you liked this one. We sure could use a robot for other things! We've been served by that robot more than once and it has been great. It's not taking the job from anyone, as it appears they tried for years to fill the position.

So much is different nowadays, and not for the better. 🙄

@Wildonthego

11 ай бұрын

It does seem that way. Thanks for the input.