Credit cards and American money
In the restaurant business, there has been a lot of concern with inflation, skyrocketing cost of goods, and rising energy costs that servers here in New Jersey will suffer in their tip jar due to the trickle down effect. that consumers and restaurant owners are experiencing.
according to a national survey Per CNET’s ranking of the worst tipping states and a survey by payment company Toast, there are some interesting results.
I have good news and I have some bad news. First the good news. While restaurant prices increased 7.6% nationally between July 2021 and July 2022, tips increased by an average of about 10% over the same period. The theory is that consumers feel the pain of the server in these difficult times.
Credit cards and American money
Now here’s the bad news: here in New Jersey, we’re near the bottom as the worst state in tip percentage. The national average for tips at a full-service restaurant is 19.7%. Tippers in New Jersey average 18.9%, ranking it 42nd in the nation as the worst tipping state.
New Jersey consumers go to restaurants slightly more than the average consumer, so perhaps that higher number of trips to restaurants affects the number and percentage of tips.
Indiana is the best tipping state at 21.0%, followed by West Virginia at 20.8%. I wouldn’t have guessed that. I would have thought the Midwest would be more conservative in their tips, but they are the best for servers. Ohio, Kentucky, Delaware, and Wyoming all fall short of providing a good tip for your server.
A man opening wallet looking for some money
I’ve always gotten a little sidetracked because I’ve had friends and family that have been in the service industry and they’ve shared some amazing stories. Times are tough and I know we’ll be going out a little less because our wallets are a little lighter, but if you go out take care of your server.
The above post reflects the thoughts and observations of New Jersey 101.5 weekend host Big Joe Henry. Any opinion expressed is that of Big Joe.
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