BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Prices for everything from gas to groceries have been rising in recent months, and your restaurant bill could be next.
If you've been planning to eat out or have already eaten out in the past few weeks, you may have seen so-called kitchen appreciation fees added to your bill. This is aimed at supporting people who prepare meals, and experts say this is a trend that is here to stay.
“Servers, hostesses, and bartenders who are serving customers at the front of the establishment can receive tips. Back-of-house and kitchen staff cannot share those tips. So it creates some kind of kitchen appreciation.” The idea comes from wanting to reward and incentivize our kitchen staff, who also work hard to provide great food,” said NYS Restaurants President and CEO. said. Association Melissa Fleischut.
Fleishat said it's against the law to tip kitchen staff in New York state. So this is a way to recruit and retain more competent and dedicated kitchen help.
We contacted a local restaurant that had an additional charge. Many asked to remain anonymous due to public backlash, but they emphasized that the fees were voluntary.
“I think it's important on the restaurant side to remember to over-communicate with your guests. If this is what you're going to do, explain what it is. Why? Explain what you will do, and always try to be flexible if it is a real issue for the guest,” Fleishat continued.
Various posts on the Buffalo/Niagara Foodies Facebook group attack the surcharges, saying “this is getting out of hand,” but reactions appear to be mixed. Multiple sources News 4 spoke to Thursday said adding an additional 2% to 4% to your bill won't break the bank.
“At first I was a little confused so I asked the waiter a question and he politely explained it to me. I could understand that since everyone is in this economic situation and struggling, but it wasn't that bad and I… There was no harm done, so I just did it,” Gio Amodeo said.
“This new fee might help restaurants get more kitchen staff who really want to work because we know they're currently understaffed. So it might tip the scales a little bit.” We have some of the best food in the world right here in Western New York, so we look forward to seeing the restaurant continue to do well,” added neighbor Rimas Mysteikis.
So if you see a kitchen appreciation fee on your bill in the next few days, ask your server if they would like it removed or if they would like to add a few extra dollars to the person making your meal.
Dillon Morello is a reporter from Pittsburgh who has been with the News 4 team since September 2023. Learn more about his work here. Follow him on Twitter.
