Do You Tip the Counter Person?
I picked-up some food from Mama Lucia on Friday and as I walked in the girl at the counter recognized me and was already ringing me up. Being a restaurant the receipts always have a line for a tip. I never tip when I do carry-out, but the great service at Mama Lucia has made me re-think this stance.
Think about it, the counter person does just about everything that a waitress does. They take your order, put it in to the kitchen, package up your food for you, and ring you up. Why shouldn’t they get a tip even a buck. Is it already a standard that I am not aware of?
As a side note, I originally panned Mama Lucia in my first review of the place, but since then my family and I have become regular customers. Their pizza is great and as I state above their service is purty good. We often go in during lunch to grab a slice of pizza and a salad or do carry-out for dinner
Anywhoo, back to my original question – do you all tip the counter person when you do carry-out?
~Guy~
No, I don’t tip the counter person when I get takeout. But, I don’t really have a “regular” place that I go to, so I might consider it if I did and consistently got good service.
As you said: ‘Think about it, the counter person does just about everything that a waitress does. They take your order, put it in to the kitchen, package up your food for you, and ring you up.’
Why not tip the cashier at McDonalds then? They do the same thing.
Does the counter person have the same wage as the waiter/waitresses? Waitresses/ers make very little money per hour, so they rely on their tips. I have never tipped for pick-up either—however, i have to admit that I have wondered if I’m ‘supposed’ to. Great question!!
So I drove by the place where the An Loi (sp?) was supposed to be opening on Rosemont and there is no more signs stating they are going to be opening soon. Now there is a big realator sign out front? Anyone know what happened to them?
i don’t…but i’ve only noticed the tip jars at places like starbucks that are already overpriced. maybe ice cream shops too. i feel i should tip sometimes, cause some baristas are way better than others, and if they didn’t charge me 4.50 for one drink, i’d be able to afford it…
On your recommendation, I tipped to counter staff at Toppings today! I have been there dozens of times and never thought about it.
It was only 10%, but it is Xmas, after all.
Maybe we will start a trend. One that I will regret when I have to fork over some green. BTW, I’m jelious that you got to eat at Toppings today!
Tipping is always a iffy question. I agree that the service at Mamma Lucia’s is wonderful and maybe the person at the counter should be tipped. I don’t tip at the counter, but I might reconsider. I’m definitely a regular there. Love their food. Fabulous!
Re: An Loi’s. I saw a sign for the restaurant but noticed about 2 weeks ago the “coming soon” sign is now gone and a realtor sign is now there. Too bad – they had good food (although slow service). If you like Vietnames, try Lucky Corner or Viet Aroma.
Viet’s Aroma is a good place for Vietnamese food. It’s light and fresh. This place is small, but the food is great with very reasonable prices. Strongly recommend! They are located next to Weis Grocery Store on Prospect Blvd (off Jefferson Street). You can call them at 240-379-6716 for direction or carry out.
Re: Anloi Thanks Monica for suggesting these Vietnamese places. For a true Vietnamese’s taste, I think Viet’s Aroma is better. They have good Pho selections, great Vietnamese Steak, very fresh Vermicelli dishes. I especially love their Special page (Viet’s Aroma Seafood, Caramel Fish, Rice Noodles, and Curry shrimp are really outstanding). I talked to the owner and found that Viet’s Aroma is partner with one of Pho 75′s owner who is famous for Pho in the Metropolitan areas. The other owner has been in the restaurant business as Chef for 15 years. Both of partners are from Rockville. So, the food can’t go wrong here.
Jason,
I echo your sentiments about Viet’s Aroma. I keep forgetting about it because it’s kind of tucked away in the Weis Festival plaza on Jefferson street.
After I read Karoline’s comment, I made a special run over to Aroma for a bowl of house special Pho one day at lunch. I really like Lucky Corner, but if it’s pho you’re looking for, then Viet’s aroma has the edge.
Viet’s Aroma: A++