Ford's Garage May Rework 20% Service Charge at 5 Florida Sites as Diners Push Back
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Nov 14
Ford's Garage May Rework 20% Service Charge at 5 Florida Sites as Diners Push Back
1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Nov 14
Summary
Five Florida Ford's Garage locations are testing a 20% automatic service charge in place of traditional tipping, and chain president Billy Downs said the company may encourage changes after customer complaints.
The franchisee says the model has lifted hourly pay for servers and bartenders and spreads compensation more evenly to kitchen and support staff through a commission-based system.
Downs said the biggest objection is the mandatory nature of the fee, even though the restaurants disclose it before ordering; additional tips remain optional.
23 Restaurant Services, which runs the Florida stores, says most guests accept the charge and that participating restaurants have posted year-over-year growth after multiple years under the model.
The review comes as restaurants face rising labor costs and tipped-wage changes, while Ford's Garage tries to keep its average check near $26 and weekday meals starting at $10.99.