[NRx]

The etiquette of tipping is not an exact science. But in general take out orders do not usually come with an expectation of a tip unless there is something unusual. In this case one could make an argument that the size of the order was such that some kind of gratuity might have been justified. But that’s not a given. I think a small gratuity would have been nice, but the kind of tip normally accorded table service was not justified. That said, I do agree with a lot of the comments above pointing out that in most states restaurant wait staff are exempt from the normal minimum wage. These people depend on gratuities for compensation and people who fail to tip w/o a very good reason (i.e. really bad service) are taking advantage to the point where they might be morally guilty of theft of services.

[Svartalfiar]

That said, I do agree with a lot of the comments above pointing out that in most states restaurant wait staff are exempt from the normal minimum wage.

That is not exactly true. Yes, their base wage is a lower minimum, but they are still required to be paid minimum wage. If they get $2.50 an hour, and only make $24 in tips over an 8hr shift, that comes out to $5.50. Their employer is required by law (federal) to make up the difference between what they were paid, and federal minimum wage. I'm sure some restaurants try to find ways around this, and have no idea on state laws for places that have higher minimum wage than federal. But, legally at least, EVERYONE makes minimum wage. Except maybe some contract work. And sometimes the military.