09/05/2026
Wait… a 25% tip is required just to order? 😭🍽️
I came across this little diner on a rainy afternoon and, from the outside, it looked like exactly the kind of place you’d want to step into. Warm lights, cozy atmosphere, old-fashioned charm — very welcoming.
Then I noticed the sign in the window.
It basically told customers not to order anything unless they were willing to leave a minimum 25% tip.
Before I’ve even walked through the door? Before I’ve been seated? Before I’ve received any food or service?
That completely changed how I felt about the place.
I have absolutely nothing against tipping. Servers work hard, and I’m happy to reward good service. A great experience can absolutely deserve a generous tip.
But there’s a difference between encouraging customers to tip and telling them ahead of time that 25% is the minimum or they shouldn’t order.
Once a specific percentage is demanded before the service even happens, it starts feeling less like a voluntary thank-you and more like an additional required cost.
And honestly, the wording matters too. A simple reminder to support the staff would feel completely different. This comes across as almost confrontational — like customers are being warned before they’ve even sat down.
If a restaurant wants to charge an additional 25%, why not simply build that cost into the prices or clearly label it as a service charge?
At least then customers know the real cost upfront.
Would a sign like this make you turn around and choose another restaurant, or would you still go in?
Because for me, the moment a cozy diner starts with a 25% tipping ultimatum, the cozy feeling disappears pretty quickly. 😬