[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%.

[wbill]

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

heh heh heh. Missed that. Actually, read it as "18% in tips". But a "surcharge" is not a "tip". Wonder if that goes in her pocket, or the staff's?