Restaurant With No-Tipping Policy Opens In Fishtown
By Diana Rocco
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The dishes are plated to perfection and so far so are the reviews.
"I can't be more satisfied."
"You'll find a fish, a pasta, a salad, and things that you normally are used to and normally that you love. He has found ways to make them more tasty and more special," owner Cristian Mora said.
But what has everyone talking about the Fishtown BYOB is their no-tipping policy. Owner Cristian Mora and chef co-owner Brian Olivera have a wait staff on salary with paid sick days, vacation time and full health benefits.
"Let's really take care of the staff, the servers, the cooks, the dishwashers. And in turn, I think they will take better care of everyone that comes in through the doors," said Mora.
The food prices on the French-influenced menu are a little more to make up for no gratuity, but guests on their first night didn't seem to mind.
"The food is amazing."
"Anywhere in Center City I feel like these prices are comparable," said Steven Smith.
While tipping is not required or encouraged, it is allowed, so if you are happy with your service leaving something at the end of the meal is just that much more for your server.
"It's up to them of course and I go in every day not expecting it and that's not the purpose of it, so it's really nice," server Kristen Sum said.
Server Kristen Sum says it takes the pressure off turning tables and allows her to focus on the customer.
No-tipping restaurants are becoming something of a trend with eateries adopting the policy from Philadelphia to New York City, and from Washington, D.C. to southern California.
Girard Brasserie and Bruncherie, at Girard Avenue and Marlborough Street, seats 50 and only takes reservations.
"But I'll still leave a tip because this is worth it," Matthew Hawkins said.
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