Some Restaurants Charge ‘Hidden Fees’
Some restaurants are adding an extra charge to your meal, and you may not even realize.
Many restaurants are charging an extra 4% fee to help fund the workers health insurance, according to Business Insider. It’s wise to read the fine print on your receipt and ask for that charge to be removed.
You might have missed it because it’s in small print on the bottom of your receipt. The Affordable Care Act passed in 2010 mandated that companies with 50 or more full time employees must provide health insurance.
Also, there has been a noticeable trend among restaurants to start charging for bread and water, which were traditionally considered complimentary offerings, according to an article by CBS News. There are several reasons behind this shift in policy.
One primary reason is the rising costs that restaurants face in terms of ingredients, labor, and operational expenses. The cost of producing and providing bread and water to customers cannot be underestimated. Restaurants must cover the expenses of purchasing bread, maintaining a fresh supply, and the labor required to serve it. Similarly, providing water, especially if it involves filtration or bottling, incurs costs.
As profit margins in the restaurant industry tend to be tight, charging for bread and water helps alleviate some of these financial burdens.
Another factor contributing to charging for bread and water is the increasing demand for higher-quality food and dining experiences. Many upscale restaurants have shifted their focus towards artisanal bread and premium water brands to cater to customers who have specific preferences or dietary requirements. By charging for these offerings, restaurants can invest in sourcing higher-quality products, which aligns with their commitment to providing exceptional dining experiences.
Additionally, charging for bread and water can discourage food waste. When bread is provided for free, patrons may be more likely to indulge in larger quantities without considering how much they will actually consume. This often leads to significant wastage as uneaten bread is thrown away. By attaching a price tag to bread, diners may be more mindful of their consumption, reducing overall waste.
So, what do you think of these “hidden costs?” Let us know what you think on social media.