I learned that you started at 10%. Only in recent years have I heard that 15% should be considered norm, and I'm not sure who is the one doing the considering. As I've stated, as food prices have risen, so has the tip, and as someone who has both waited tables (for a short period of time) and sold on commission rates much less than 10% for much less in sales in a day or night than a good waiter will rack up in a shift, 15% should be considered exceptional.
I rarely drink and never at a restaurant, so while my ticket might be a lower one for their night, I am also very low maintenance. Tonight, we left about 15% or so for what we considered very good but not exceptional service (as I stated, we typically round up a bit). But my tea was refilled twice, my wife's drink once, and he made perhaps 4 other trips to our table. I think he got what he deserved.
That is the post.