Restaurants in World Cup Host Cities Implement Automatic Gratuities

As the FIFA World Cup sees a surge of international visitors in host cities, many local restaurants are implementing automatic gratuities on customer checks. This move aims to address concerns about guests from countries where tipping is not a common practice potentially undercompensating workers.

The Missouri Restaurant Association previously advised Kansas City dining establishments to apply a temporary 20% automatic gratuity during the event. Now, other cities like Atlanta and Philadelphia are following this approach, according to Food & Wine.

“Automatic tipping push brings concerns to major US city as restaurants brace for surge of foreign visitors.”

Supporters of automatic gratuities argue this protects workers who depend heavily on tips and helps avoid confusion for visitors unfamiliar with American tipping customs. Some restaurant operators have informed TheTravel that notices about these surcharges will be clearly displayed for diners.

Bob Riekhof, general manager of La Bodega in Kansas City, mentioned that informing customers about the gratuity inclusion will be a priority, stating, “We’ll have that posted on the menus themselves. We’ll have it posted in the restaurant.” Ben Fileccia from the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association noted that these notices aim to smooth the transaction process and prevent awkward conversations.

However, some express concern that mandatory gratuities might add to existing frustration over fees. David Henkes from Technomic remarked, “Restaurant traffic has been declining, and anything perceived to increase costs risks consumer backlash, especially if not well-publicized.”

Michele Bermuvez, co-owner of Atlanta’s Brewhouse Café, emphasized the importance of supporting staff despite potential pushback. She believes automatic gratuities will streamline operations, although not all owners agree with this method.

Robert Mahon of Mahon Hospitality, running an English pub in New York City, stated they will maintain traditional tipping practices during the World Cup. They focus on offering fair pricing, such as $6 pints of Guinness, to enhance the experience for fans without automatic gratuities.

The debate raises key questions about whether automatic charges are needed to protect workers from different tipping expectations or if exceptional service and clear pricing can encourage voluntary tipping.

Fox News Digital reached out to the National Restaurant Association for comment. Report by Andrea Margolis and Peter Burke, Fox News Digital.