[wbill]

Sounds like her goal is to transfer $15-$20 an hour from her waitresses to herself

Hmmm. Didn't think about that. That money is going somewhere, would be interesting to see if menu prices went up as the tips went down. If that's the case, you're *absolutely* correct.

[stylin19a]

assuming customers will still tip and will still tip the same amounts\percents - probably not with an 18% forced tips "surcharge" added to the bill.

[PAR35]

would be interesting to see if menu prices went up as the tips went down.

From the excerpt: "and tack on an 18 percent surcharge on checks." So yes, prices went up 18%.