Ok, should have actually followed the link. The restaurant is still dishonest. A gratuity is voluntary. What they are calling a “gratuity” is in reality a fee for serving large groups. Since it was clearly stated on the menu they reall had no choice but to pay it. Locking them in the store is still kidnapping but they were obligated to pay the stated large group fee.
Do you consider it kidnapping if one is cuffed and detained by store security if one has shoplifted?
Not really seeing a difference here.
I don’t have time to look up the Texas law right now, but I’m pretty sure that Texas allows the “reasonable” detention of someone suspected of theft until a law enforcement officer arrives.