The Case for a Service Charge

I’ve had frequent discussions on the emerging trend to get rid of tipping. Many people whose opinion I respect argue that the best approach is to simply raise prices. They cite Danny Meyers and his Union Square Hospitality Group’s announcement that tipping will disappear in their restaurants to be replaced by higher prices. My friend … Continue reading The Case for a Service Charge

Is the new Ontario Tip Law a good thing? Maybe not.

There’s been buzz again about the bill to ban employers from taking a share of tips. While Michael Prue was defeated, the bill has been revived by the Liberal MPP who beat him. There appears to be broad support as it heads off to committee for discussion. The basic premise is the “employers” cannot take … Continue reading Is the new Ontario Tip Law a good thing? Maybe not.

No Tipping? Now What?

The no tipping movement seems to be gaining momentum. We’re hearing multiple stories about restaurant groups (Danny Meyers’ Union Square Hospitality Group) and individual restaurants pledging to move away from tipping. There are a number of good reasons: The ability to distribute wages more equitably – particularly to pay kitchen staff more and to improve … Continue reading No Tipping? Now What?

$15 Minimum wage could kill tipping

There has been significant discussion about an increase in the minimum wage to $15/hour. Seattle has implemented a $15/hour minimum and LA, among others, has committed to moving towards it. Rachel Notley, Alberta's new NDP Premier has committed to this standard in Alberta and there is more and more discussion about it across Canada. The … Continue reading $15 Minimum wage could kill tipping

Does Raising Minimum Wage Actually Lower Some Wages?

We’ve heard rumblings of a rise in the minimum wage in Ontario. There will be considerable debate about the trade-offs between higher wages and jobs. Its pretty clear there is a relationship but I won’t get into that discussion. What i do think merits some attention is the policy objective for minimum wages specifically in … Continue reading Does Raising Minimum Wage Actually Lower Some Wages?

Save the date: UGSRP Presents ‘Tipped Out?’ Forum

Save Monday April 29th, 2013 in your calendar, you do not want to miss this free event, discussing the issues surrounding tipping in the hospitality industry. A BIG THANK YOU to our event partner George Brown College Centre for Hospitality & Culinary Arts and also to all the speakers who are providing their time and thoughts. Please … Continue reading Save the date: UGSRP Presents ‘Tipped Out?’ Forum

UGSRP present at the Canadian Restaurant Investment Summit

This past Thursday, May 31st, the third annual Canadian Restaurant Investment Summit (C.R.I.S.) was held at the Hilton Toronto Centre, in Toronto, Ontario. The University of Guelph became a Silver Sponsor of the event this year and we were therefore presented with the opportunity to attend the Summit. Among the top CEO's and executives from … Continue reading UGSRP present at the Canadian Restaurant Investment Summit

The Tipping Point – Is There a Fair Share?

There has been considerable discussion around the ownership of gratuities left in restaurants. Recently, two high profile media stories reported servers complaining about having to pay the house a share of their tips. There is also a Private Member’s Bill in Ontario that would forbid restaurants from taking any share of tips from servers. The … Continue reading The Tipping Point – Is There a Fair Share?