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Letter: Let's do the math

February 01, 2008

Dear Editor,

For average restaurant service, I will leave a minimum of 15 percent for a tip.

First, if I give my complete order when a server first comes to the table. That is also how I receive my meal. The drinks, appetizers, salads and meal all come at the same time. I came to a sit-down restaurant to enjoy a meal and socialize with a lady friend.

If I wanted fast food, I would have gone to a drive-through window. I will purposely order my drinks first. When a server returns with my appetizers, I will order my meal.

I am not really concerned that I am holding up a table. After waiting in line to get seated, I feel that the table is mine. If I receive good service, I will compensate accordingly, probably with a tip in the 20 to 25 percent range. I also am not concerned if the restaurant is busy. I am also very courteous to my server and I expect the same from my server, no matter how busy his or her day has been.

Now let's do a little math. A server at a good restaurant is probably handling four or five tables at once. Let's assume it takes me an hour to eat. The average bill for two people, including drinks and a meal is about $55.

If all five tables leave only a 5 percent tip that comes to $13.75 plus the $2.13 for a total of $15.88; at 10 percent it's $29.63; at 15 percent it's $43.38 per hour. If a shift lasts eight hours, the minimum day's pay is $127.04, and a maximum at 15 percent is $347.04. That does not sound that bad to me.

If the aggravation is too much, factories pay $10 to $11 an hour.

James A. Bauch

Junction City

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