Earls.67 implementing a mandatory 16% hospitality charge.
I'm glad to see them trying this. I'm curious how this will turn out. I don't like the idea that if I buy a $100 bottle of wine that I need to pay an extra $16.00 for it.
https://earls67.ca/journal/new-post/
Quote:
AN ALTERNATIVE TO TIPPING
One of the first policies Earls.67 will be testing is a new compensation model for all staff who work here. Instead of the traditional tipping method, we will be implementing a 16% hospitality charge to all bills. The 16% will be paid to all staff that helped serve and prepare the meal from dishwashers, to chefs, to service staff, in the form of consistent wages.
Q&A
Q : Why are you changing the tipping structure?
A : Earls.67 is about change, innovation and thoughtful examination of alternative methods of service for our guests; it’s a testing site for ideas. One of our newest test policies is the addition of the 16% hospitality charge. We have decided to test this method against the traditional tipping method as a way to compensate the entire team that worked to deliver our guests a great experience. The 16% hospitality will be shared with all staff through higher standard wages. This includes everyone from our highly trained chefs and cooks, to our servers and bar backs. We’re testing this policy and welcome your feedback on it.
If you’re still curious about our new test new policy, please check out leading hospitality and restaurant subject matter expert, Bruce McAdams, from the University of Guelph, on why we should rethink traditional tipping:
Q : How will it work?
A : 100% of the 16% hospitality will be distributed to all staff. This is a prototype to test what we believe will be the future of wage scales in hospitality. We hope to conduct a thorough review of this test policy after its implementation and following feedback from our guests and staff alike. Earls.67 is the perfect place to try this. It is about innovation and experimentation in all facets of the traditional restaurant model.
Q : Can I still tip if I want to?
A : No, you have already compensated the wait staff and the kitchen staff with the automatic 16% hospitality.
Q : What will happen if someone leaves an additional tip?
A : Any additional gratuity will be divided equally among all staff.
Q : What if my experience is unsatisfactory?
A : We are committed to excellent service. If you are unsatisfied with your experience, please speak with a manager and we will make it right.
Q : Who gets the money?
A : All of the staff who contributed to your experience will share the 16% hospitality.
Q : You say you are testing it – how will you evaluate the concept?
A : We will be looking for comments from our staff at Earls.67 and other Earls establishments. We welcome your feedback. Please go to earls.ca/feedback to leave any comments that you have.
Q : Is this a reaction to the increase to the minimum wage in Alberta?
A : This test policy has been developed with the goal that every one of our Earls.67 employees are paid a consistent wage. While we understand that the minimum wage is due to increase in Alberta, our focus is simply to pay our employees a more consistent wage across all of the sectors of our business.
We’re very excited to try this policy out and welcome your feedback on it. Please visit earls.ca/feedback to leave any comments you have.
