Here's What Those "Service Charges" On Your Restaurant Bill Actually Mean
It seems like the cost of going out to eat at a restaurant is always a hot topic for debate; between rising prices, gratuity requests popping up at counter-service spots and seemingly random surcharges, many diners now find themselves studying their restaurant bills more closely than ever. One type of extra fee that’s becoming common in the hospitality world is a “service charge.” These line items usually involve a percentage of the final check, but you may be left wondering what these “service charges” cover, why they’re appearing on bills so much more frequently now, and whether you can opt out of them as a guest.