A post submitted by CGI member Morgan.

**************************************

Well, I already posted: I REFUSE TO GO TO RESTAURANTS FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE!

I remember in the 1980s, standard tipping was 10%. Now it's 25%? Some add it to the bill? I thought 'GRATUITY' meant VOLUNTARY! And with the already sky high prices I read about? I looked up some prices, and they are INSANE! Not to mention, what do some of these places put in their food? Especially the fast food. MSG? GMO? Some places even used canned veggies, from what I recall. (I think it was Carrows. I have no idea about now, but as an adult, I didn't eat there very often. The only thing good about them, I can remember, was their bread pudding. All else was 'meh', and they had the worst burgers. Last time I ate there was in the 1990s because our 'guest' wanted to eat there. Never again for Carrows or anything in that vein.)

Great attitude for someone who works in the industry, huh? Well. at least I won't be supporting the competition. Yes, my 'tude toward the industry is hostile, and I must admit the place I work at has prices beyond the stratosphere. It caters to the economically elite, some who spend over 10K for their parties. Cleaning up after this is a nightmare not only for me, but for the rest of the staff if they want the banquet hall redecorated for a wedding, or what ever. It's a good place to work if you're a materialist. One of the cooks owns a Tesla, and so does the manager, but you really got to put in crazy hours. Some of the cooks are trapped in the building from 7:00 AM to 9:30 PM, including their dinner break. You find some of the staff crashed on the padded benches when we're closed, after they have lunch.

Calipornia, and some other states legally require a standard minimum wage for servers not affected by the paradoxical $20.00 an hour law for those working for the chain restaurants.

I wonder how many places will be closed by yearend? 50%. Oh well.

Morgan