> I don't understand this. Why do you Americans tip for this? Isn't being seated, handed a menu, food brought to the table, and plates being cleared part of a waiter's job?
1. Because nobody you'd want waiting a table wants to be a waiter for minimum wage.
2. And because restaurants don't want to pay waiters more than minimum wage on slow nights.
Your options if you don't like this situation are:
1. Because nobody you'd want waiting a table wants to be a waiter for minimum wage.
2. And because restaurants don't want to pay waiters more than minimum wage on slow nights.
Your options if you don't like this situation are:
1. A ~20% price hike in the cost of your food.
2. Significantly worse service.
3. Significantly limited hours.
Pick two.