I can understand why they did it and called it a surcharge. It was to point out the reason for that additional cost to them. IOW to make a point hey Obamacare is costing you more to eat out. All other businesses have simply quietly factored it into operational cost and none the wiser. Those griping about it though the reason went right over their heads it seems. IOW they are angry at the wrong persons. The restaurant must pass on operatioal cost to stay in business.
I would think if you are paying an extra 2% tax for someone else’s healthcare, that becomes an instant deduction on your own taxes.