Recently, a noticeable trend has emerged among young Americans regarding tipping at restaurants and bars, with many opting to tip less. A survey from Bankrate conducted this summer highlighted that members of Generation Z, those born in the late 1990s and early 2000s, are the most likely to leave tips.
This is particularly evident in bars, where bartenders have taken notice. Britt Wolf Wilson, a bartender in California, remarked that just five years ago, younger patrons were quite generous, but now many skip the tip altogether.
Derek Brown, co-founder of a hospitality consulting firm in Washington, D.C., emphasized that tips for bartenders should align with restaurant servers at about 20%. However, he acknowledged that if service is lacking, patrons might lower their tip to 18%.
Despite this, some bartenders claim they’re frequently tipped below that threshold. Elliott Rightmire, another California bartender who also belongs to Gen Z, shared that when his tips exceeded 15%, it surprised many customers.
Interestingly, not everyone from this younger group avoids tips. Two recent college graduates expressed their differing views on tipping. Katie Fitz, a former bartender, mentioned she always leaves a tip, stating that even if the service was poorly executed, she still ensures she tips something. At 22 years old and having graduated from Florida State University, she recalls what it was like on the other side of the bar.
Similarly, Kaitlyn Walsh, also a recent FSU alum, said she strives to tip around 20% at bars and restaurants. While most of her friends do the same, she sometimes observes others merely slashing the zero off their bill. Once working as a server herself, she understands the significance of tipping.
Walsh also noted a friend’s experience where her date didn’t leave a tip, leading her to decide against seeing him again, emphasizing the social implications of tipping. Brown, the bartender, finds these insights encouraging, as they signify a recognition of the hard work service staff put in.
In the fast-paced world of bartending, where shifts can run 8 to 10 hours, producing countless drinks, the expectation of a 20% tip feels justified. After all, a decent tip can make a significant difference for those who dedicate their time and effort to ensuring a good experience for their customers.
