I generally don't tip at fast food places. Actually, I'm not sure if people like McDonald's employees are even allowed to receive tips!
There was a "fast food" Chinese place in Long Beach that I used to frequent. The menu was pretty inexpensive to start with, plus they'd always really pile my food in the container. So, I had no problem tossing in my change into the tip jar; especially since I was a regular customer.
At buffet places we normally just put a few bucks on the table since we're serving ourselves. Though, we recognize that the "server" is bussing the old plates away and such.
I've never bought from one of the restaurant "to-go" services like Applebee's has; so, I don't know what to say about that. I probably wouldn't tip that person though....I don't know. Just because someone bagged it for me, that doesn't seem to qualify for a tip. After all, don't the Burger King folks bag my meals too?
Interesting, I wouldn't have thought to tip there.....
I used to work for an upscale bakery/cafe in Long Beach. We sold pastries, breads, and deli items. However, we also had a coffee bar and made sandwiches to order. We did have a "tip pitcher" which would probably collect $8-14 a shift (which would be split about 3 ways, or 4 if the *owner* asked for her cut
).
I thought the customers were pretty generous, after all, I was usually just bagging a loaf of bread or something. Though, a) many of the tippers were regular customers and b) the neighborhood was a bit more upscale and thus people probably had the ability to tip. I gave the best service I could to everyone; though, for the regulars, I would stuff their sandwich with just that little bit extra the next time.
.....Kelly
