Everything is not awesome right now (turn that into a song, LEGO people), but lately, it has seemed like perhaps there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Leadership and governments are loosening stay-at-home orders and allowing people to share public spaces again (with restrictions, of course), and folks are venturing out into the now-warm light of day.
Restaurant owners have taken one of the biggest hits during this whole thing, which is one reason why – whether you dine out or get your food to-go – you might see a surcharge on your bill.
https://twitter.com/talialikeitis/status/1259896872895987712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1259896872895987712&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.distractify.com%2Fp%2Fcovid-surcharges-restaurants
The charge is usually only a couple of dollars per order, but as you can imagine, there are mixed responses to these businesses attempting to recoup some of their losses from customers.
Some people understand that we all need to pitch in where we can, that restaurants and their employees are taking on extra costs, extra risks, and are operating with far fewer staff.
I’m sure it was disclosed. It’s a small price to pay to support them and keep them open.
— MsWu (@mstinaswu) May 11, 2020
Other people, of course, think that dining there is “support” enough and don’t appreciate an extra charge, even if it is disclosed ahead of time.
By you already going there you are supporting them. And it isn’t like they had a $5.00 meal. This person had already spent a good amount at the restaurant, which supports them. I don’t think it’s right to add on an additional charge. Fast way to lose business.
— Ashleigh (@Ashleigh_Grinch) May 14, 2020
The charge – and any other charge a restaurant puts on your bill – is legal. They can decide what things cost at their restaurant, and you can decide whether or not to pay it.
They are supporting their own need to not have to make their own meal. They are not “supporting” a restaurant if they don’t think the restaurant should make any money and feed them out of their own pocket.
— MsWu (@mstinaswu) May 14, 2020
Many of mused that there are plenty of places that probably simply raised the prices of their dishes by a few bucks here and there and didn’t say a word – no confrontation if no one knows what you’re doing.
It was disclosed in advance. They had signage on the front door, in the entryway, at the register, and even on social media. https://t.co/Ixu7weHKXX
— MsWu (@mstinaswu) May 15, 2020
We all have to decide who we’re going to support during this madness and how, but for my part, I’m thrilled that there are places that will give me food that I don’t have to cook at least once a week.
I’m happy to pay an extra $1 a dish for that. If you’re not, that’s fine – but there’s no reason to pile on a restaurant just trying to survive.
