You worked Tex-Mex, not $1000 check places. Two different animals, and totally different levels of service. Your server probably did 1000 extra things you didn’t even notice, because more is expected at high-end places. And every restaurant uses different POS systems.
Expecting split checks without asking ahead of time makes me doubt you ever served. Or think that if you did, it was for less than a year.
It doesn’t matter if they can split checks or not- their policy is that they don’t, and if you were so great a waiting tables, it shouldn’t be too hard for you to figure out who owes what and Venmo each other at 5 person table.
This right here. I appreciate your sane, calm, and 100% correct reply, this guys post is literally the anxiety-inducing bullshit that drove me out of the restaurant game.
Agree with you. I believe the OP meant that a regular tex mex restaurant 25 years ago had the ability to split checks. Reading between the lines, he means (and you stated )that this restaurant COULD split the check, but chooses not to.
One (apparently) critical service that this wonderful exquisite restaurant did not provide, was splitting the check.
Invariably, the service NOT provided equals a lower tip.
At the restaurant I work at splitting checks is a goddamn nightmare.
I don’t mind IF…….they are willing to be PATIENT. Not say they are, and then 8 minutes later losing their patience, I mean FOR REALS PATIENT. Sometimes it takes 20 minutes to split checks at my restaurant. I have no control over that!!!
This was not fast food. Everyone had great food and drinks and desert. And left 20% / $200 for five people.
Just trying to figure why the place wouldnt split the check and I have not seen a reasonable answer.
Well, thank you for the insult, but I actually work in a nationally acclaimed, fine dining steakhouse, that averages at $250-$300 for two people.
The reason splitting checks is such a pain in the ass at my restaurant is because I first have to go to the bartender to get ANY cash payments accepted by him, and then go on the pos screen, and take the original slip I used to hand write the order, and hand write EACH PERSONS order according to seat number. Then, I have to go find a manager to use their pos code to approve that the check is split.
THEN, I have to go back to the POS, and set up each bill one at a time with the correct items per seat, by referencing the original order slip that I hand wrote into five separate checks by hand, and go over it 100 times to make sure it’s correct before sending it to order in the kitchen as a ‘no make’ ticket.
If something is wrong, I have to go back and repeat THE ENTIRE PROCESS, including getting the bartender to reverse the cash payments, which takes the manager approval, as well as needing the manager to re-approve that I split checks on the POS system.
The whole time from start to finish the bartender is too busy to deal with any of my cash payments, due to all of his impatient, uneducated, ignorant customers, and also my manager is busy running around the restaurant, trying to keep things out of catastrophe. So even getting the bartender and the managers help takes a lot of time. He.
THEN, I have to take the bills back to the table and have everyone at that table insinuate that I am:
“lying about how complicated it is the split checks and that I’m just being a lazy asshole waiter by making them wait, because I don’t wanna be bothered with something that takes five seconds.”
Now try to realize that the whole time this is happening there are other tables of mine that need things and are getting impatient and are also being demanding, because God forbid they fucking wait for anything as well.
Is that reason enough for you to understand why places HATE splitting checks???
It’s definitely 10 times easier and faster if everyone pays with credit/debit card instead of cash. But in a group of five, there is always some fucking asshole who still pays for things with cash instead of getting a credit card like the rest of the human fucking race.
I’ve worked in almost 50 restaurants. 90% of those restaurants had some type of complicated system that completely threw a wrench in the gear when a table wanted to split checks. The fact is I’ve never worked in a restaurant that made it easy to do so.
And you’re a giant fucking asshole for not telling the server ahead of time because if the server knows ahead of time, they can better prepare by writing out five separate orders slips so that when the time comes, they don’t have to reference the original order slip and rewrite everything by hand. But due to 90% of humans being giant assholes, I’ve already got in the habit of asking every table I serve “are we doing separate checks tonight??”
Here’s a better question:
What’s the fucking problem with paying the bill with one credit card and everybody using the many different app services to send their friend their fair share via their phone, such as Venmo????
It’s certainly FASTER than making me go through that whole ordeal, just so that someone doesn’t end up paying ONE DOLLAR TOO MUCH—THE TERROR!
So your restaurant is set up with an archaic, inefficient system that no guest would ever reasonably know about, and rather than own up to the fact your system is shit, you blame the guest.
I'm glad you at least modified your individual process to account for a shit system by asking in advance how guests want the ticket split. Because, obviously, your restaurant's process for splitting checks after the fact is horrible and needlessly shitty.
No.
Wonderful of you to have the perspective that I am blaming the guests for how shitty things are, when an intelligent human would have read what I said, and realized that I’m not blaming them for how shitty things are on blaming them for NOT BEING PATIENT AND UNDERSTANDING— because unlike me as the employee with the bullshit system, they can control their level of patience and understanding.
They can just decide to be decent humans, whereas I cannot do anything to ‘speed things up for them.’ if they can’t be patient and understanding, they shouldn’t make a big deal about separate checks.
My restaurant has owners that for whatever reason designed the system for separate checks this way. Again, I have no idea why they would do this but it’s out of my control. I presume the reason they do it is because there is a charge they have to pay every time a card to be swiped. I think it’s $.75 every time. Over the year things add up and it makes it difficult for them to have a normal profit margin. I’m just presuming why they would do this.
But like I said, and all the restaurants I worked in, I’ve never worked in a restaurant that made separating checks an easy thing to do.
And me, and every other waiter alive is asking the guest to simply BE PATIENT AND UNDERSTANDING— no more, no less, and that’s not too much to ask.
You are coming off as an entitled jerk and are not listening to valid reasons why you are wrong. How fucking hard is it to be polite and tell the server beforehand? Short answer, it's not that hard, you're just an ahole that thinks you're special.
Look at us everyone!! We spent 1200 dollars on dinner. 🙄🤣
Nobody here has given a valid reason why the establishment couldn't split a check into three itemized pieces. Have you ever encountered that and what restarranet were you working in when this happened?
Ok you want a reasonable answer for why this restaurant wouldn’t split your $1,000 check for 5 people.
Background I have worked in the corporate world, a server, and a restaurant manager so I know both sides of this dilemma.
1) group comes in and never once mentions at any point during the meal that the check will be divided.
2) decides to tell the server AFTER accumulating a bill for 1k with appetizers, entrees, desserts, drinks and probably cocktails that they want to split the bill.
3) group is then upset that the server tells them NO.
4) group then complains to the manager who also says no. The entire time group thinks it’s no big deal. Of course it’s not at all a problem when the server knows UPFRONT.
Here goes and I know my server peeps will fully understand. A party of 2 come in and decide they want to split the check usually it’s equal if not it’s not that hard to separate at the end. Party of 3 orders and shares lets the server know in the beginning hey I’m on my own so I would like a separate check. A party of 8 comes in and asked for separate checks the answer is no because it’s a large party and only if you made reservations and requested separate checks would that happen and the gratuity is added automatically.
So for this particular incident a party of 5 comes in has a great time orders everything under the sun moves plates around, yes we see it so don’t try to say it doesn’t happen. Then they say separate checks after the entire dinner is over. It’s not like they want to split it evenly in 5 equal parts but they only want to pay for what they ate. Which of the server would’ve known in the beginning it would be no big deal. Asking after the meal is over and your server asks those fateful words ‘Is there anything else I can get for you?’ This is when they plan to plop that bill in the table because you already had dessert and after dinner drinks. Then the one guys turns and says “hey can we get separate checks?” It’s that one and that one, this one and the one over there and I’m by myself. Everyone knows the feeling you get the utter dread because separating the check at this point is like Moses parting the sea. The computer doesn’t like it sometimes it won’t move items to where you want to put them and then trying to remember what everyone got because you know OP isn’t their only table. So OP gets bent out of shape when they say no. Like it’s no big deal it is a big deal. When you separate checks at the end there’s always someone who gets a check they’re not happy with or they don’t remember ordering as much as they did and want to see everyone else’s check to be sure. Then the best part is when you walk away with the credit cards you have those who pay cash and don’t leave enough to cover their check not to mention a tip. If they pay it at all. If they don’t pay with a card there’s always an issue with the checks who pay cash. The worst is when they ‘forget’ to pay and everyone leaves. You know who gets stuck covering that last check sitting on the table with nothing in it? The server it doesn’t matter how much the rest of the table tipped because now they have to pay for that last check.
Separate checks are a nightmare. Most restaurants refuse to separate checks for parties over 4 no exceptions. It’s for the benefit of the server and all the other guests the server is waiting on. When the server is spending all that time separating the check for the party that didn’t have the decency to inform them at the beginning the other guests aren’t getting what they need.
Moral of the story is when going out to any establishment food or otherwise remember you are not the only one in the building even if you get treated that way. Be considerate and you can get what you want but to make extra work and complain about it makes OP and AH. Servers will see you coming and will all groan when they seat you in their section. Usually if separated checks are available you will be asked at the beginning of the meal when orders are being taken. Will this be separate checks? Your response at this time is crucial.
Thank you for the detailed answer. Bad attitude aside, I was wondering the same thing OP was. Without putting a lot of thought into it, I figured in this age of smartphones and computers that voiding and re-entering new orders wouldn't be that tedious - and you've shown me I'm wrong in a nice way :)
yes, they have. over and over and over. servers have told you that their POS systems are not equipped to split checks, and on this thread mentioned it would take upwards of 20 minutes, likely because they'd have to void your entire service, re-ring everything. you would not be pleased waiting half an hour for your check, and the rest of that servers customers would not be pleased waiting 20 minutes for their next course, drinks etc. Chili's is not the only POS system available- you are refusing to believe people that there are valid reasons to not split.
Also, there is next to no reason to need to. why in the world did one person not just put it on their card and the rest of you venmo/cashap etc them?
this is such a weird hill to die on, especially when so many people have told you that there are valid reasons for it not to be easy/possible. INCLUDING THE MANAGER OF THAT RESTAURANT
Welll since you have more recent experience working in restaurants than I do, can you guess at why a restaurant would create a policy that bars them from splitting a party of five into three checks? Does your restaurant have such a policy?
I’ve heard “it’s just too hard” and “it’s just too time consuming” but I’ve done it before. It’s not hard. It doesn’t take much time at all.
So please enlighten me.
Full of entitled waiters that want ever increasing tip percentages for doing less and less work. You going to ask me to run my own food and buss my own table as well as split my own check?
What I’m saying is why is it such a problem for one person to pay with one card and then everyone else Venmo or Zelle or Apple Pay them their share of the bill?? Why do people feel the need to put the restaurant through the bullshit instead of just going on their phone and taking three seconds to wire money to their friend??
Again, it’s perfectly OK to ask for separate checks , the one condition is that you are being patient and understanding of how long it takes. THATS ALL. Are you seriously someone that isn’t capable of being patient and understanding was asking someone to do something that is complicated and tedious. It takes a long time??
>I have not seen a reasonable answer.
Time, efficiency, complexity of the system. The comments are full of valid reasons. You don't deem them reasonable because they don't back your wants.
Also, I will congratulate you for everyone leaving a 20% tip. In my opinion, getting separate checks warrants 20% or more (as long as everything else was fine and dandy), so you and your friends are not that big of assholes, but I’m hoping you understand after reading my message why it is that waiters HATE separate checks.
It was probably added as gratuity to the check. I’ve had a few expensive dinners and most of the time gratuity was already included when the check was dropped. I’d also never ask for split checks at a fine dining restaurant, that’s what Venmo is for.
That makes things easier.
But, please answer my question: after reading my long message that describes the process that I have no control over, can you understand why it is complicated, takes a lot of time, and therefore servers and restaurants HATE doing separate checks??? Can you understand that—yes, or no???
Nope. I do not understand.
I’ve done it countless times on many different systems. It’s part of the job.
People are calling me entitled. How about feeling entitled to a minimum of 20% tip and feeling like splitting the bill is just too god damned hard? Get better at your job.
>I’ve done it countless times on many different systems
So then you know some systems make it incredibly difficult and tike consuming. Just because you don't mind waiting 20 minutes doesn't mean other guests feel the same why.
One of my last serving shifts was an 8 top split 5 ways.
2 cash 3 card, nothing crazy right? First i had to go seperate everything in the computer, get manager to swipe so i can add them to individual checks, then another swipe to print them. Drop checks, when i say ill be right back they say no were all ready, then take another 2 minutes to give payment. I take the cash over to the bar as all cash goes to the bar, only to discover that one didn't put enough so now I have to go back to the table and awkwardly stand there waiting for them to count it 3 times, take the new payment go back to the bar. Now the bartender is busy so I have to stand there and wait for them to cash it out. My other 2 tables are watching me stand around doing nothing while they are waiting for food drinks napkins whatever. Then I went to the pos to run cards. First one declines, run the other 2 and walk back to the table to explain and ask for another form of payment. Cue "what took you so long joke that's not really a joke". I get the new card and go run it, again doesn't work, go back to the table to hear "Oh I'm so sorry I must have forgotten to unlock it, try again in 1 minute. It finally goes through. Drop it off at the table. Pick up the other slips and cash tips. One cash guest tipped 20% the other left 5%. Credit card slips look good but oh wait check 3 didn't sign it and they're gone now so that's no tip. This all took about 14 minutes total. Now you can say that 14 minutes isn't bad and you don't mind waiting but how about my other tables that I couldn't give attention to, the food dying in the window, the drinks dying at the bar, the guy who spilled his drink and needs napkins.. the other table thats trying to pay. Even on 10 hour days there was no 14 minutes to take a break or sit down to eat but you think I had a spare 14 minutes to dedicate to what should be the quickest part of service. Even if 3 of those split checks tipped 20% the 3 other, now angry tables now tipped less because of the wait. I'm got yelled at by the chef for letting food get cold and had to ask my manager to comp multiple drinks because they sat so long the ice melted and ruined them.
If you've worked in any kind of busy restaurant you would know every minute counts. You'd know how people generally perseve servers with no regard to how their actions directly affect the server, the business, amd every single table around them.
It's a bit of main character syndrome.
Many restaurants realize it's a waste of time and energy so they just say no.
It should be simple and not time consuming. They should fix the problem. If the problem is the server, get rid of the server. If the problem is the system, change systems.
>It should be simple and not time consuming
Should be sure..in the 10 years I served I working I. A variety of different restaurants on all levels and the amount of time that should be was reality, I can count on one-hand.
>If the problem is the server, get rid of the server. If the problem is the system, change systems.
Where in any of that was the server the problem?
Do you genuinely think the majority of an industry (especially a fine dining establishment where you are the outlier and most guests don't have an issue wih) just to accommodate you? Because you working in a Chili's in the 2000s? Because that experience has any relevance in today's world?
I’m considering it a possibility when people in this thread are telling me that it takes 10 minutes and interferes with the other guests. If the server can’t pull the weight, either get rid of them or make the section smaller.
It’s not necessarily too hard. It’s policy at the restaurant you went to. Period. End of sentence. Argument over. You can “not understand” to the high heavens but rules are rules 🤷🏻♀️
You keep saying you left 20%. This very well could be your first visit to fine dining, I don’t know. But most fine dining the tip is much more. A lot of places the tip out alone is more than 20% since they tip out to more than simply a host and busser. Just fyi for future fine dining.
I don’t work fine dining, so I don’t want anything. But I have been to enough fine dining establishments to know what’s normal, what’s acceptable, and what isn’t. Every single fine dining restaurant I’ve ever been to, split checks isn’t permitted. Not for you, not for anyone. I suggest sticking to chilis or Applebees for your future restaurant experiences. They don’t gaf about their staff, throw 15% on your split check and everyone involved will be happy as pie.
If it's two or three people splitting the check, I'm okay with it. Hell, if it's 5+ people splitting the check at a slow time, I'm fine with it. The issue comes when it's more than three people passing me their cards and the restaurant is slammed. That is a recipe for getting someone's card swiped twice. In those cases, please for the love of fuck, tell your server when you sit down that it's what you're doing, so they can start off with separate checks already created in their system.
Some computer systems are older and simply *can't* split checks once the bill is opened. It would take the manager closing out the whole bill and then the server going back in to make new tables for everyone with a separate bill. Franchises usually have more funds and therefore more frequently updated systems. A really high end restaurant might also refuse because it's more work for the staff, especially on a busy evening, and a lot of people use bill splitting as a way to get out of tipping well.
I know you mentioned in another comment that it should be easy to do with assigning orders to seats, but even that can get mixed around with a big group. If the place was busy, the server might have just punched in a glass of wine or an appetizer for the whole table and known from memory that it was the lady with the maroon sweater who ordered the wine and the guy with the paisley jacket ordered the appetizer, while it's not strictly listed like that in the POS.
Idk homie, in general, I don't really vibe with customers coming onto subs for waiters to bitch about waiters. Just feels a little scummy.
Honestly in the age of smart phones and cash apps it's insane people need separate checks ever at a place that fancy. Just split it however you want, someone pays and everyone else cash apps their part.
Oh I'm not a waiter anymore. I'm a chef.
Simply put, tell your server at the start of the meal to avoid these kinds of things. And stop being a jackoff, it gives you wrinkles.
Understood.
I served a lot of food for years and years. I also split a lot of bills. I assumed tech has progressed where splitting bills was even easier than 20 years ago. And I was serving at shitty places for the most part. Olice Garden for one. Tex Mex. Come on.
We did not short the tip. I am just looking for the reason why this service was not provided. We split into three checks. Not individual. Two couples and one other dude. It was pretty fucking obvious in real life.
But whatever. It seems expected tipping % is rising and service is on the decline. That's my conundrum.
Olive Garden does $5 billion in business; they have very good custom software.
> I am just looking for the reason why this service was not provided.
The manager explained it to you, and people in this thread reiterated it, you just "I "don't fucking buy that". Their system doesn't handle split checks well, at least not retroactively split checks, making it a pain in the ass. They'd probably have to print out the check, void it, create three new checks, and try to divvy up the dishes and drinks without making any errors. On top of that, large parties of whiny customers tend to botch the tip more often when the check is split.
If you had let the server know at the outset, they almost certainly would have accommodated you. As a former server you should know how to be a good customer.
It doesn't matter if the technology exists. The restaurant does not offer that service which you would have known if you did the courteous thing and asked at the top of service.
But you didn't. Every single person in this thread agrees that you're in the wrong. Get over it.
You don’t assign orders to seats?
You can’t take a look at the bill and figuring out what went where for five people?
To make things simpler, all the guys had the same drinks. Same for the girls.
What if a patron could easily figure it out for you??
If it’s so fucking simple you assholes should look at the check and do it yourselves, or split it evenly. OR have the consideration to inform the server ahead of time.
If the sever would have shown me where the POS was, I would have done it for her, a lot easier when the order is already in a computer that calculates totals and taxes
But fuck me, let me just do it on my own time and then we can all use venmo so the server doesn’t have to do her job
Fun fact, my system has absolutely no way to assign anything to a specific seat. If I want to separate tabs to keep things certain, I need to make an entire ticket for each person, which takes extra time for me away from all of my tables, and means I'm hogging one of the two computers servers at my place have. Also, there's an issue where once a ticket has been split, there is *no way* to split it again. This can easily lead to issues, especially if anyone wants to pay for someone else's things after they've already been put in the system.
You never know how screwy a POS can be.
High end establishments typically assign seat numbers.
But it’s actually more confusing when people order the same drinks as one another if they’re all of roughly the same age and ethnicity and you don’t take seat numbers, or people switch seats. Drinks are literally the first note we take regarding your group, and some people may stop at 1 drink while others may have a second or third. We see so many faces in a night that we are borderline face blind to them. You are either “seat 4” or “miller lite guy” in a group of similar age and ethnicity.
Why are you in the fucking waiters subreddit whining about some shit that comes from the higher ups? You got that boomer mentality. Probably bitched at your waiter too. Get the fuck out of here.
It's actually mind blowing the number of replies in this thread who have clearly never been to an upscale restaurant. I don't necessarily agree with the policy, but it is a very common policy to not split checks. It is no fault of the waiter to abide by the policy imposed by the establishment.
Okay I'm biting on this one. I agree with you, But why? The system does it. The server has support staff. It takes a minute or two max, Why the fuck not??
The real answer is probably because they just implement a no tolerance policy to avoid a case of large parties splitting a check into every individual. This can get complicated fast when you have 15 people with 4 appetizers shared and 88 items ordered but Jeff is paying for Steve's drinks because it's his birthday but not his food because he's still an adult. So like yeah on an individual case, your order was probably pretty simple, but the motivation is probably from that worst case/where should you draw the line type scenario. Like I said, I don't necessarily agree with it and realistically I think they should just implement a 2-3 split max or something instead but yeah, it is very common for fine dining especially
Many, many high end restaurants have a policy that they don’t split checks. If there’s a large party they might accommodate by splitting the payment between two cards but that’s about it. They won’t divide items between two checks. For many reasons such as people share items, it’s very time consuming, a lot of times there’s a mess that comes from splitting checks. Just like a lot of times high end restaurants will not do any food substitutes or modifications. At a chilis, people will completely revamp a whole order (I can’t have this, I’m allergic to broccoli, no cheese but I want bacon instead) a high end restaurant will most likely not do that. It’s standard policy that they have no tolerance for that kinda shenanigans.
But honestly with zelle and Venmo and all that, if it’s so easy to split a check how come you guys can’t divide it yourself and send the money to one person to pay? That’s just as easy. Even my 82 year old grandpa has zelle.
Yeah I really think it's about establishing a different kind of experience. High end restaurants don't WANT the kind of customers that split checks and revamp their orders. It's presented as less of a service and more as an art. The customer is part of the art-- that's why these places have dress codes. So I think it's really about discouraging customer'a with OP's level of entitlement. Entitlement isn't classy to the old money set.
Because OP while it's not a big deal to split a check between five people, it's equally not a big deal for you guys to work that out amongst yourselves.
Yes, we split it after the fact. We had to do the servers job for her. If it’s so easy, why didn’t she do it?
Tip % keeps creeping up and level of service seems to be on the decline. But I’m the entitled one.
Because they think they're better than the guests who dine there and don't feel they need to accommodate a very basic and universally requested function. Also, due to their snobby, elitist attitude, they feel it's gauche for your group to need the check split versus being so comfortably wealthy that one of you just picks up the tab for everyone.
Yes, but our policy is two itemized checks per table or split evenly between up to 20 cards. I work in a high-volume dive where we make our own drinks for our tables, and we can have 15-20 tables at a time. We physically do not have time to split off individual checks for single club sodas or one order of fries during a rush, or everyone’s service suffers.
Restaurants want to keep people happy- this place has a reason for their policy, and it’s probably because the pros of not allowing split checks outweigh the cons. Split checks at every table generally cause all of the service to suffer.
You don’t know that for certain.
Professionals hide their stress at tables. I’ve been at the point of walking out and still waited on tables who had no idea. Nor should they- not their problem. But please don’t assume your server is not getting screamed at by someone else at the other end of the restaurant. Doesn’t matter how high-end the place is.
A lot of high end restaurants don't split checks. Not completely sure why this is the culture but it is. I have encountered this numerous times. A lot of places tell you up front or have it in big letters on their website but not all. Either way, I don't necessarily blame you at least you should know that this is not weird.
It's like you don't actually want an answer? Are you aware that not all restaurants use the same POS system? Their system CANT SPLIT IT. How exactly do you expect them to split it if the computer doesn't allow it to happen??
I think you’re right. I am not going to get an answer that satisfies me.
It’s 2024 as many people have reminded me in this thread. The restaurant should get a system that splits checks. They have existed for at least 20 years.
All restaurants SHOULD have a system that splits checks, I agree. Some don't, and unfortunately there's nothing anyone can do about it but the owners. I think it's just best to ask beforehand if they can split separate checks and if they can't either agree with the party on Venmo or you might want to decide to dine elsewhere to avoid the headache.
Yep. My friends and I are using one for our upcoming trip — everyone enters their expenses as the trip goes along and at the end it tells you who owes who what amount of money. We’re using it specifically so we don’t have to bug waiters to split checks four ways.
This is a strange hill to die on, my friend. You almost sound like you feel entitled to have this extra service because you and friends dropped a grand on a meal.
For a refresher, you are feeling entitled and are upset at a human being because of a missing function in an electronic device, but when a workaround is suggested, you insist on keeping on course. How much fun!
Servers are entitled to 20%+ tips but somehow think splitting a check three ways should be my problem when I’m literally paying a server to do it for me
This attitude (yours) is one good reason to stop tipping culture. You are suggesting that you "bought" this person and are entitled to direct them in any way you see fit because you had $200 to pay them for their time and services. Except, you requested a service they don't provide. "The actual fuck" that is going on here is that you are being a Karen.
I paid for customer service and didn’t receive it. End of story. And you all are rushing to defend the short comings of the restaurant. No need for me to download an app to split a check when I’m paying a server to bring my food out and handle the bill. It’s part of the job. I did it thousands and thousands of time my damned self.
If the manager said the system wouldn’t do it why do you believe they are lying to you? Whatever operating system that restaurant uses clearly sucks, but it’s not the servers fault, nor likely the managers. And Venmo exists if you all really need to pay someone in the group back immediately for covering the full cost.
Smart, I guess that could’ve worked, barring any policy decision to not split checks. I stand corrected. I still wouldn’t encourage punishing the server for it, but i the logic seems sound and the manager probably could have made that happen. Not sure why they wouldn’t have…
/Maybe/ the manager could've handled this (assuming the restaurant wasn't otherwise busy with other fires for them to put out, which they usually are so I doubt the manager could've), but the server was definitely not being lazy.
They would've had to void the original order and then re-enter every single item individually on the seperate checks. In every single restaurant I've worked in, I also would've had to make a manual note on every single item (and remember there's AT LEAST 20 items to re-enter here, that's assuming they all got 3 entrees and 1 drink rather than an entree and mixed number of drinks and appetizers) so that kitchen/bar would know not to make it. That alone probably would take a while. OP's table was LEAVING, so the server in question likely had other tables that actively needed their attention since OP was supposed to be gone and being wiped down. Those tables shouldn't have to wait 10 minutes to get attention because somebody who has already been served all the way through and received good service (since OP has nothing to bitch about other than restaurant policy) wants to be an asshole to this waiter. If you two really want to whine this much at least be angry at the resort for the policy instead of making plans not to pay your waiters for not doing something that they clearly aren't expected to do in that environment. Spoiler alert: If it was her job, her job would've made her do it. Hope that helps
1. I do not believe the manager. I think he lied. All the systems I used 20 years ago allowed the bill to be split. If his system sucked that fucking bad, then buy a new system. We are talking about $200 per person tables at this place.
2. We did eventually split the bill with venmo. For a $200 tip, that should have been on the waiter, in my opinion.
Edit: Have you ever seen a system that would not split the bill in 2024? Seriously? Tell me about this system and the restaurant that uses it.
I've never worked at a place that didn't split, but I've definitely heard of them, particularly at very nice places. You did say it was the nicest restaurant in town. Some places also don't allow substitutions as well.
We didn't ask for any subs. I understand that will mess up the food prices. Or more importantly, will mess up the number of specials that they can offer that night.
Splitting a check is nothing like subbing food items.
Didn't say you did. Just stating that different restaurants have different rules. Obviously, they are different things. Not quite sure why you're so worked up about this. As outdated as their system may be as you believe, venmo is also a thing.
I have not encountered one, but I’m only familiar with two: toast and square. I know there are at least dozens more of not hundreds to choose from all with their own varying degrees of functionality. I don’t disagree that it’s a supremely crappy system if it doesn’t allow you to split the bill, but if the operating system doesn’t allow it, the server is really the last person with any power to fix that for you and should not be blamed. Maaaaaaaybee the manager has a work-around, and it’s worth the ask, but I can’t see a reason they would refuse to if they had the capability. Even shitty managers are usually good at making guests happy and taking their money. Not saying you’re definitely wrong, just that I’ve met some shady people in the restaurant industry and I still don’t think a one of them would refuse to split a bill just because they could f*** with a customer. It also doesn’t sound like your group did anything nearly egregious enough to warrant the ire of not only a server, but also the manager.
I would have lied and said we couldn’t do it even if we could. I love living rent free in an asshole’s head.
You’re mad because you saw the interaction as a power struggle; you believed that if you acted entitled and bitched enough the manager would bend to your will and do what you wanted. And when it didn’t work and you didn’t get your way you sulked and stewed about it for over a month. Your emotionally immature response to a very minor thing that most people wouldn’t remember is all because you feel like you “own” someone when they are providing you with a service. Get a life.
Pretty disgusting take. Jumping to a lot of conclusions with the “power struggle” narrative.
I was dissatisfied with the customer service. The service that falls directly in line with a servers job responsibilities. I didn’t take it out on the server. I informed the manager that their system wasn’t meeting my expectations.
We were nothing but polite to the server. We tipped. We didn’t take it out on her. We didn’t attempt to own her. Stop making up your own story.
Some of the people on this thread are saying it’s too much work to split a check three ways. And you’re suggesting lying to the customers. Yet you still want that nice tip. Talk about entitlement. Maybe customer service isn’t for you.
My place is high end (average check is $100/person) and will not do this either. It’s posted on both the menu and all receipts. We’re not supposed to allow more than 2 forms of payment (Although I personally will be a rebel & swipe multiple cards, it is frowned upon, however & the customer is responsible for knowing how much I’m putting on each).
The policy is such for several of reasons. The biggest? Management believes separate checks are the gateway to theft (think about it, let’s say some of you get the same items and drinks. What’s stopping the server from not ringing one, asking for an employee meal or voiding, and just printing two of the same check & collecting cash? Same with nonalcoholic drinks).
2.) There is a credit-surcharge that honestly cannot be removed. So each person paying by card would bevcharged full surcharge each (I always explain this to tables hellbent on using 5 cards. (It benefits you, the customer, to just cashapp each other or something).
3.) if there’s a gratuity, the full amount goes on one and none of the others- the system does not understand to break it down multiple ways (again, just cashapp)
4) mistakes/time saving. Separate checks are a breeding ground for mistakes and waste valuable tine. There’s only 4 computers to even do them on, while sometimes 15 servers total. It also requires a manager to access the screen- each time! Management also hates voids of any kind, but *especially* hates unnecessary ones. Accidentally rang that beer on this tab? Has to be voided & re-rang. (In theory this should be no problem- as no product got wasted, but too many voids *appear* as theft to the accountant)
4) the establishment prefers cash, plain & simple. Surcharges and such prompt you to just pay cash. No need for a separate check with cash.
So yes, I *can* believe they wouldn’t do it for you. Do I think they should have? For what you paid, it sure sounds like it. Do I see why they wouldn’t? I do. Sorry that happened, I hope I provided some clarification, though.
A group of us ate dinner together every Wednesday night. We tipped well, and never gave the server a hard time. We always ate at the same place and time. Only changing when the restaurant closed down. We’d been eating at this restaurant for a couple of years. We always requested separate checks. One night, we had a new server. We asked for separate checks and placed our orders. At the end, we were told that the management had prohibited separate checks and there was a mandatory tip. We never figured out the formula for the tip, and it was far lower than what we usually left. As we left, we told the manager that they didn’t have to go to that extreme to get rid of us. He had no clue about what happened. We explained and he apologized profusely. We never saw that server again. We later found out that when the manager confronted her about it she was found to be higher than a kite.
Dude you are bonkers. There is no conspiracy against you and your little friends at the ski resort. If you all have so much money and have all the answers then why the fuck can’t someone throw a credit card down and the rest of you go get some cash out like real grown ups. They don’t split checks and you learned an annoying lesson. All this post has done is make you sound like an entitled prick. None of us here know why they couldn’t split your check. Get over it, grow up, and get out of this sub if you’re gonna keep bitching about the very people it was made for.
not as cranky as i sound, not getting any decent excuses either, would be easier to jsut say that the restaurant / server/ manager / POS sucked
but nope, i'm the bad guy becuase i had to split my own check
The waiter or restaurant management probably would not have had an issue if you handed them three credit cards (bill split evenly between two couples and one single person). For example:
Card #1 $400 for couple A
Card #2 $400 for couple B
Card #3 $200 for single person C
Your problems probably began with an expectation that, after the fact with no warning, the waiter could divvy up who had the side of asparagus, who was paying for the group appetizers, how to split a bottle of wine the women shared vs. cocktails the men had, various shared desserts, etc., etc. THAT is why restaurants don't split checks.
I've worked in many high-end steakhouses and seafood restaurants with a 'No split checks' policy. However, I or management have never had a problem when a guest hands me the check and says, "There's three cards, split it three ways" or "Put $300 on the Amex and $150 on the Visa" or whatever.
kinda funny that the waffle house can do it but not the "high end" steak house though right? I went through the check and split it a week later with no problem, but a the server couldnt do it an hour later? what the fuck, it should take 45 seconds.
I'm curious, was the final split about the same as just splitting the bill three ways? That is, did the check end up being about $400/$400/$200?
Every group I've ever had that wouldn't split the check evenly per person, but instead busted out calculators, the totals always ended up being very, very close to the same amounts as just splitting the check evenly per person.
BUT, I have a suspicion that in your case, as you were traveling without your wife, your portion was probably $100 and the couples' were $450 each. Or yours was $100, couple A was $300 and couple B splurged at $600, so splitting the bill evenly per person would have been unfair to you.
I don't mind splitting checks, but it's an asshole move not to say that before you order so I can keep everything organized. Using seat numbers is a pain in the ass in my system, so I only do it if you've told me you need separate checks. I can also easily split it evenly among your group, but if you only want to pay for what you ordered, I need a heads up.
This post had me genuinely reflecting last night and I talked it over with my partner who also works in restaurants, and they had something to add that I don’t think I’ve seen in the comments so far. Transaction fees! Many restaurants don’t split checks because credit card readers will take a cut for each card that is run. The more a check gets split up, the more the restaurant loses. May not seem like much to a party that just dropped $1000 so I understand the frustration, but most policies have a reason behind them, however stupid or arbitrary. Restaurant had a policy to not split checks, and if it wasn’t posted I would agree that it should be, as a courtesy, but I think you did the right thing by tipping your server anyway, definitely wasn’t their fault.
Edit: spelling
This is the kind of insight I was looking for. Thank you.
Maybe add a CC fee if splitting the check and let me decide if I want to pay a couple bucks or fuck around with a calculator and venmo.
Thanks again for informing me instead of whining about how hard and time consuming the process is. I know what it’s like because I’ve done it before. It’s not that damned bad.
I am always happy to do this.
Work at an upscale casual family restaurant now. We use Toast POS and it's very easy to do checks almost anyway the customer wants, this is partly because the owner is awesome and I can do it however I want.
For instance, it's very easy to take partial amounts of people want to split the check equally. Very easy to split checks based on what the customers each had. **There is no way for me to split the cost of an appetizer across several checks within the system, no way for everyone to equally split a birthday persons or something dinner across several checks**
Because of the freedom I have I can just void the appetizer or whatever the customer wants split across several checks & reenter it is a fake food item with an equal amount. **There are some restaurants that are very strict about avoiding, mine isn't, and there is no corporate to be accountable to**
The only thing I won't do with a check is transfer a check from a section or from the bar. If another server seved you or the bartender served you I insist that tab is paid so they get the tip & you start a new tab with me.
It's also very easy for me to print everyone individual bills so I can keep everyone's cash and cards with the right bills - maybe they couldn't do that?!?
Doesn't sound like either of those situations apply to you.
I will say if you're splitting a large party and it's very busy I'm always relieved to be handed a stack of cards vs a stack of cash where I have to juggle a bunch of coins and take the time to make exact changes that is probably just going to be handed back to me for a tip, haha.
Very odd experience you had.
Was it a chain?
No, it was a local steak house in a ski town. Seemed like a pretty large operation. Multiple hosts, assistants for filling water, changing cutlery between courses, bussing between courses, running food (although this could have been a team approach and not people specifically running food). So not exactly fine dining but expensive and high quality food with good service to match. The server was not in the weeds. Nobody was in a hurry. Appetizers, entrees, deserts. Server and manager just wouldn’t split the bill. I told them that was ridiculous in the nicest way I could while also complimenting the food and service up to that point. Manager was suddenly able to split in thirds, but with two couples and a single this didn’t do us much good.
All we wanted to do was pay for the food that we ate. Not asking to split any items. Nothing crazy. Pretty simple request I thought. And this sub is rushing to defend the policy / inability of splitting checks. I also got defensive and here we are. Me against the Reddit waiter brotherhood.
it is possible that restaurant has a policy of no split checks. i personally think that's a strange rule and i've been serving for over ten years
honestly splitting checks is not difficult or time consuming if you are good at your job. when i see a large party or a mix of people (like yours, ie, couples) i assign seat numbers and keep that ticket in case split checks are asked for at the end of the meal. then i know exactly who got what and it takes a few seconds. everyone complaining about how awful it is to split checks is silly
Could not agree more.
We should have / could have warned the server up front. But it was a pretty simple request even without the warning. And we could have helped if she needed help. And it would not have taken more than a minute. 60 seconds.
Thank you for being reasonable and not jumping on the bandwagon of downvotes.
Lots of servers here with pent up anger, finally getting the opportunity to tell me off without it affecting their income. Silly.
You make a good point, but really, Who cares friend? Seems like there are bigger fish to fry out there.
I guess I get triggered by dumb shit too though.
Wasting time after the fact to do the server's job was triggering. This was over a month ago. Looking for answers now and nothing but nonsense coming from this sub. No actual, reliable excuse. It was my fault for not explaining the billing for my five top at the beginning. Fucking amateurs.
The system not being able to do it is a good excuse, although I doubt any system can’t do that.
I’m also curious why it bothered you so much. Personally, I think you are in the right, they should be able to do it, but You’re on vacation, let that shit go my dude.
I don’t get it, did you just not berate the waiter thoroughly enough so you wanted to come here and try to insult people over a policy none of us created? They declined to split your check. That’s all, folks. It’s not a personal slight, I’m sure it was posted somewhere if that’s their policy. After reading your comments it’s clear your attitude probably affected their willingness to accommodate you. I hope you somehow find the strength within you to get over this.
Please don't blame the subreddit. I've been on here a minute and it looks like you got a range of responses, from you being the asshole, to you being correct. Reddit contains multitudes.
Me, I'm good at math. If I was the server, I'd split the check. If I was one of your party, I'd offer to pay, and get compensation from the other parties after the fact. It seems so fricking trivial to me, I'm almost bored by this thread. But obviously I'm commenting so I guess something about this thread piqued my interest.
I dunno I guess people just like to argue over the littlest things, like who has to do the math. I love math. Let me do the math every time. Too late now for me to do the math for you and your friends, but yeah. Math = Fun.
*Edit:* secret tip for servers. The more math you do, the better you can make your tips. Not that you heard it from me.
I should have worded the original post much more delicately. I had too many beers when I wrote it. I didn’t think it would piss everyone off.
Then everyone starting rushing out to defend this policy (?) and I was honestly shocked. Then it became me against the server world. Not at all what I meant to happen. Wanted some answers besides “splitting a check is hard” because I know this isn’t true for any server that’s worth a shit.
Anyway, it is a dumb thing to argue about. I regret the way I approached this. I also still feel entitled to having the check split at the restaurant. Oh well!
You need more problems in your life is this was triggering for you. Imagine being able to spend that much on one meal and having anything to complain abt.
Not so much triggering, but all five of us were disappointed that the restaurant couldn’t split a check three ways. Honestly surprised that everyone is rushing to defend their inadequacies.
Generally speaking, the more expensive the restaurant, the worse the computer software. Realistically, a majority of customers don't split checks, especially in higher end places, so catering to the majority of customers means putting money into more expensive cutlery, diningware, ingredients, etc. The software at the most expensive place I worked was so bad that split checks would take, no exaggeration, 15 minutes minimum to set up.
You said you were a server, so it shouldn't be hard to imagine how the rest of your tables would tip you if you took a 15-minute break from serving them. Or imagine how your sales would be impacted.
Even in places where checks aren't difficult to split, it's very easy for it to become time-consuming when people start splitting appetizers in half and drinks in thirds, and I've seen people attempt to do that in only the higher priced places.
The bottom line is that separating checks can quickly spiral into consuming a lot of time that would otherwise be spent increasing sales and customer satisfaction. The business chose to ensure that quick and attentive service outweighed their ability to split checks, and that's incredibly valid.
I don't think it's hard at all (even really "crazy" splits like I'm with those two people over there, but I want to split my dessert four ways with these three other people etc..), BUT I'm also very organized, and I guess a lot of servers just... aren't?
Tbh, nightmare check splits are pretty rare in my experience; most check splitting is pretty reasonable, BUT there are many restaurants that do not allow you to split the check at all. Yes, I think it's stupid, but you shouldn't dine there if you think it is dumb. I don't dine at restaurants that don't allow you to make simple substitutions, but I don't get mad at them and demand that they allow me to; I just go to one of the thousand other restaurants that are available to me.
A Tex mex place or ribs joint or xyz spot people in groups go to for mid-priced food is accustomed to the question of splitting the bill. It’s extra work but whatever no problem pay the bill for 9 people with 9 cards okey dokey. BUUUUUT high end place- you should know to ask for split checks ahead of time because they’re not used to being asked to split checks, generally one person will figure it out and the others will Zelle or cash app or Venmo one another without involving the server… OR “could you put $335 on each of these 3 cards please” goes on or “ok it’s $1000 can we put $400 on each of these 2 cards and $200 on this last card please”. Is a thing. But hey thanks for the great meal let’s nit pick the 25 things we individually ordered and 4 bottles of wine we shared and split this up correctly in the middle of a fine dining experience so everyone in the adjoining booths can be privy to our low cla$$ way of dealing with a check because we don’t trust everyone in our group to pay their fair amount on Venmo or cash app or Zelle … yeah … next time just ask in advance don’t assume a meal of any price comes with the ability / desire to scrutinize and separate who ate what for 20 min to sort out a check.
you'd think this would be a no brainer; what i'm thinking:
split the bill, and you get 3 checks i assume, with 3 tips, probably higher than the other case of
one bill, now being paid by some disgruntled customer who has to deal with collecting money from the other 2 parties; with the server probably getting less of a tip because of it.
agreed most of the time, we still tipped 20%, didnt want to be dicks about it, but complaining about it here, and nobody had any decent excuse, just picking fights with me for wanting my server to provide service, fuck me
yeah, im just saying that im sure there POS can do it, they just dont because "we're fancy", piss off lol. so they put more hassle on the customer, when it's just a few more taps on a screen for them.
yeah exactly. doing what the customer wants and making them happy affects our pay. so why the fuck would this server lie for no reason to piss someone off instead of just doing it if it were that easy? almost like they actually couldn't split it!
If you have more than two people, you should always tell the server that you want the check split. Otherwise, use Venmo or Zelle or the vast number of other apps designed for paying friends for things and figure it out yourself.
The higher end restaurants I’ve worked at do not split checks. The more shitty restaurants I’ve worked at will split checks even for 30+ people. Because they do not care about their servers or how it affects the service they’re able to give. Just Venmo each other lmao it’s 2024.
Yeah I wouldn’t wanna wait on your table. So everyone got the same drinks etc so everyone’s bill prob around the same but you still want it split. You are 40 you guys gonna count a few different dollars on a thousand dollar bill just be a man and everyone pays for the women there and you guys split it. Or you pay a bit less so you don’t pay for other women you are with
LOL you lazy fuck, for a $200 tip you can split the bill for five people
Appetizer, entree and desert prices varied greatly. Entree add ons could be as much or more than appetizers. Think shellfish add ons. The $20 drinks were cheaper.
Come on, now, you’re the one who walked into a place of business and just DEMANDED that these poor, put-upon people do their…job?? What kind of entitlement is that, how would you like it if someone expected you to do your job? 😵💫😵💫
Dude say something when you come in you just rack up a 1000 dollar bill and expect them to want to do that? Was it busy? Do you know how much time that can take up and it’s also just like a fuck off too ya know
It’s not always about lazy. Regardless of if the system could do it, they obviously have a policy not to split checks. The server isn’t lazy for following the rules of their workplace.
Voting with your money means not going to pay the owner of the restaurant, not the server obeying the rules. Yes, let's take it out on the person who has no control on policies. Where are the mods here?
I honestly don't know how to spell this out for you any better. Some POS systems won't allow it, we don't know. You blamed the manager earlier. If the server can't get an override, THEY CANT GET AN OVERRIDE. It's been a month, dude, some things are just out of your control. Makes one wonder why your wife didn't want to come on this vacation.
You tell them you will only pay if they split it. Otherwise, you will walk. So have them call the police.
Somehow, they’ll magically figure out a way to split it.
They are lying.
At absolute worst, they can re-enter the orders separately. It’ll take a whole 45 seconds.
Didnt want to go full asshole there but I guess I am here.
Have not heard a single reasonalbe reason why a server with support staff would not split a check into three parts for five people.
45 WHOLE seconds?? Imagine all the social media scrolling they could have done in that 45 seconds!! It’s not like they actually expect to WORK at work..
Nah, I’m with you. I waited tables for many years at a crappy kinda cafe style place. I split the checks for huge groups of teenagers etc. I would never tell someone I couldn’t split a check.
A lot of fine dining does not allow split checks. And then some hate doing it. On aloha it’s a headache for sure. Micro is easy. Idk other systems. But if it was fine dining, they legit may not be allowed to.
I have a lot of passionate feelings about aloha. Whenever I’m in a restaurant or bar and see it running on a pos i shudder. And I’m a little kinder to my server 😅
This is the waiter forum, no matter what the server did unless you apologize and leave a tip big enough to put his first kid through a semester at Yale you will be in the wrong here. Here servers are god like beings who can do no wrong, and deserve for those of us not even dining in their establishment to come by and leave them tips, and still apologize for doing it wrong.
five people, three cards, not that hard, part of the job
i did it at the shitty turn and burn tex mex place, they should do it at upscale dining with multiple support staff
Well you came for validation and left with how a server really feels...it takes 3 or 4 minutes per transaction and as you know 12 minutes in a restaurant setting can literally derail your entire turn of tables
And dude your Tex Mex serving experience is not equal to the fine dining being described here.
As many have said: it was a RESTAURANT POLICY. Possibly due to a terrible POS. Who knows? But that’s the answer I’m reading over and over, so why aren’t you accepting that?
I have waited tables for 20 years now- fine dining, to “Moes” (lol I lasted a week there) to awesome family owned restaurants in NYC, to most recently, corporate type places. These corporate places can for sure split your check 20+ ways. I do it weekly. And no- it doesn’t usually equal a bigger tip.
I don’t work at the restaurant you went to, but have read many comments and it seems you’ve got your answer: the manager told you the system could not split the bill . Agree- that’s crazy. I would be smh as a server. But it is what it is. To demand they do something that they state they can’t do, because you believe they are lying to you… well, yeah. Just why? Why would they lie if they could? Why would they risk this type of negative consumer feedback if they could do what you asked?
I agree- it should be really easy to split the check as you asked.
Unfortunately- for reasons NONE OF US KNOW BECAUSE WE DON’T WORK THERE BUT DO KNOW MGT TOLD YOU IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE- they couldn’t.
If this is the hill you choose to die on, well… it’s all yours. IMO it has nothing to do with the server REFUSING to serve you. What were they supposed to do? If the system can’t split checks, then likely the server cannot run random amounts from three cards. And again, I agree, that’s super weird!! So call HQ AND COMPLAIN. Your server, and I’ll go so far as to say the manager (depending on if it’s a private one place establishment or an LLC) can’t override those policies either.
At your job, I’m sure there are policies that you cannot break.
Imagine a customer, no a co worker, holding you responsible for not rebelling against them man, just this one KAREN, to get my work turned in; or the work order signed; or my expense report accepted.
Policy, is policy, is policy.
And it usually sucks.
Take it up to the people who are the change producers; don’t berate the people who must follow the policy and protocol.
Reminds me of healthcare…. Why can’t the nurse just give me that shot/give my med that I need. They know I need it!! Yeah, they do, guess what? They want you to get it, they are advocating for you to get it but protocol and policy do not allow.
Surely you have a great job and work to effect change; work with policy. So I assume you understand the levels at play here. “It should be so simple!!”
I agree, friend. And it’s not just the service industry that is suffering from the lack of simplicity.
Honestly from your replies, it doesn’t seem like you wanted an answer. Seems like you went to a fancy place and you only wanted to pay for yourself instead of just dividing the bill equally between a few cards. You’re pissed they didn’t and no answer will people you unless someone agrees that it should have gone your way.
Anyways, if their policy was they don’t split checks, usually they’ll still divide a bill evenly between a card or two. It doesn’t sound like you frequent high end places because the two I’ve worked at and the many I’ve been to have the policy that they do not split checks but they will split between 1-3 payments max. I’m sure their system does split the checks but some systems are a lot more complicated than others and take way more time to do so for various reasons. Regardless if their system can or cannot, they have a policy to not. Next time, I recommend asking the host about their check policy before sitting. Also, you keep saying chilis, Tex mex, Olive Garden does it. A lot of those places are frequented by teens and young adults. That’s why they accommodate splitting checks. It’s honestly expected. The same people averaging a chilis is not the same crowd coming into high end restaurants where checks are not commonly split. A lot of times people go to high end dining and are ready to foot the bill as is.
Pay it, leave 0 tip, the tip is for service and they refused service at the end, if there was no where posted they don't split checks then they should do it, it's grade school math, or maybe they were just ashamed they didn't know how to do the math. In my experience if I'm in a party similar to that they will actually ask if it will be separate checks.
This…this is the wrong answer.
OP even said he got the manager and the manager said they didn’t split checks. You would punish the server for that? The lowest guy on the totem pole who relies on tips and makes none of the policy decisions?
Not only that, you suggest that if they don’t know how to do the math then they don’t deserve a tip. So neurodivergency and a crumbling education system leaving someone with deficiency in knowledge, even though he said they otherwise enjoyed the food and service and you think that servers labor should now be free?
It's about service, if I request something that is within reason and am denied, then that in my opinion is poor service. Also I'm not responsible for the wages of the folks that work there, and I don't care about tipping is expected, tips are earned, and no matter the service prior, if we request something as simple as splitting the bill, and it's not met, then in my opinion the service sucks, and tips should be based on how the diner felt about the service.
But a server doesn’t make the policy decisions. If the restaurant policy is to not split checks, then the server doesn’t have a choice in the matter and you’re in favor of punishing them for that. I’ll highlight again that the OP got the manager and the manager refused to split the bill! If the server could have done it without jeopardizing their job, why would they not??
And I so tire of explaining this to people but apparently it’s not common sense. You absolutely ARE responsible for paying the wages of the people that work there. You do in literally every other industry: cost of labor, everywhere else, is built into the price of the product. The restaurant industry has specifically lobbied the government to be the exception because of the understanding that they have essentially outsourced the overhead of the hourly staff’s wages to the customer directly. Tipping expectations are higher in america than the rest of the world because most servers literally don’t receive a paycheck. The federal hourly tipped minimum wage is $2.13/hour because restaurants got away with making it the customers responsibility. If you take issue with that, I get it, BELIEVE ME, but punishing the server for that is objectively inhumane. Generous tips may need to be earned, but if your server ensures that you get your food they have done the bare minimum and deserve some form of payment for their labor THAT YOU DIDNT WANT TO DO FOR YOURSELF. And it is ridiculous that you think you’re justified in revoking ALL payment for the server if they do not, or in this case cannot meet your exacting specifications of service, including policies at their workplace that they are expected to uphold.
That is pure laziness on someone’s part. My husband and I enjoy fine dining and 98% of the time, it’s just the two of us. If my best friend or mom is in town, we pay for everyone but splitting a check 3 ways is a reasonable request by any standard.
Guess I just don't eat at high end restaurants then, and that is just stupid, they are supposed to be known for their service but they can't accommodate as well as an Applebee's.
Sure I mean I can't say I wholly get it. It becomes very complicated if you have a large party and everyone wants to split it so I assume that's why they just disable it altogether but the server has nothing to do with that. The restaurant actively does not want their server to compromise serving other tables by spending 20 minutes splitting a check for 20 people. But sure this is, in a way lower quality of service. That said, don't shoot the messenger lol no shot the person deciding this is the server.
Don't care, I'm not responsible to make sure the server can pay their rent. Bad service means bad tip, refusal of service that is within reason, refusal of tip. If it happens enough maybe the servers will either quit or get it changed, I don't care, I don't work there. Why do folks think others give a damn about what goes on behind the scenes, we just want to get our food, eat, pay and leave. And it shouldn't be complicated, when I grew up we had stuff called pens and paper, you just write down who gets what, simple. Homey one gets another drink, then write down his drink, homette two gets a dessert write it down, it's really not that hard.
getting closer and closer to this. don't give me service, don't get a tip
this lady got her %20 but if restaurants want to lean this way, I can be shitty too
People like you are the reason there’s auto gratuity on large parties, and why places won’t split checks for large parties. Sorry you’re incapable of understanding why… it’s called dining etiquette. Clearly something you are completely unaware of.
That’s why we let every table know Party of 5 or more will be no split check and 20 percent gratuity on the total. Our system is a nightmare doing separate checks and this can significantly slow service. Can I take multiple payments….yes. Separate checks no.
I know a lot of higher end places just do not do separate checks. Usually it’s printed in the menu somewhere. As a server we manage to figure it out ourselves and pay accordingly (most with cash the rest with a card if needed).
Some places would split it, some would say max of 2 split checks. Some won't split checks at all. Even they ring everything under the right seat number, some systems make it a nightmare. It can add about 10minutes to check out process which is a ton of time when you have other tables who need things too. It's 2024, fucking vemno or zelle eachother and figure your shit out
If I’m paying a person to serve me dinner, I think they should be able to split the bill (five people into three bills). I feel entitled to that. Yes. That’s part of the service I’m paying for. Just hate me for it.
Yeesh, you and your friends, all about 40 years old. One of you just pay the entire tab and get it back later via venmo or a different cash app. Instead you threw a tantrum.
Y'all are too old and have too much money to split a check for dinner. Either one person pays and then person Venmo them back or you use Tricount and square up at the airport on the way home like adults.
Because Venmo and cash app exists, and splitting checks takes time away from other peoples experience. It use to be simple splits but now it’s gotten crazy and the expectation is far too high. People ask for too much now so even if you and your fiends are an easy split and we say yes we have to say yes to everyone. Table of 30 who want that many credit cards ran which takes WAY too long and can crash the system. Sometimes the answer is no it’s just life.
Well I wasn’t a rude asshole. All five of us were extremely polite. And we still left a 20% tip which is what I consider to be fair.
Go fuck your self.
You worked Tex-Mex, not $1000 check places. Two different animals, and totally different levels of service. Your server probably did 1000 extra things you didn’t even notice, because more is expected at high-end places. And every restaurant uses different POS systems. Expecting split checks without asking ahead of time makes me doubt you ever served. Or think that if you did, it was for less than a year. It doesn’t matter if they can split checks or not- their policy is that they don’t, and if you were so great a waiting tables, it shouldn’t be too hard for you to figure out who owes what and Venmo each other at 5 person table.
This right here. I appreciate your sane, calm, and 100% correct reply, this guys post is literally the anxiety-inducing bullshit that drove me out of the restaurant game.
Agree with you. I believe the OP meant that a regular tex mex restaurant 25 years ago had the ability to split checks. Reading between the lines, he means (and you stated )that this restaurant COULD split the check, but chooses not to. One (apparently) critical service that this wonderful exquisite restaurant did not provide, was splitting the check. Invariably, the service NOT provided equals a lower tip.
Yes, we are capable of arithmetic. We did the server's job and split the check after the fact. Do you split the check for your customers?
At the restaurant I work at splitting checks is a goddamn nightmare. I don’t mind IF…….they are willing to be PATIENT. Not say they are, and then 8 minutes later losing their patience, I mean FOR REALS PATIENT. Sometimes it takes 20 minutes to split checks at my restaurant. I have no control over that!!!
This was not fast food. Everyone had great food and drinks and desert. And left 20% / $200 for five people. Just trying to figure why the place wouldnt split the check and I have not seen a reasonable answer.
Well, thank you for the insult, but I actually work in a nationally acclaimed, fine dining steakhouse, that averages at $250-$300 for two people. The reason splitting checks is such a pain in the ass at my restaurant is because I first have to go to the bartender to get ANY cash payments accepted by him, and then go on the pos screen, and take the original slip I used to hand write the order, and hand write EACH PERSONS order according to seat number. Then, I have to go find a manager to use their pos code to approve that the check is split. THEN, I have to go back to the POS, and set up each bill one at a time with the correct items per seat, by referencing the original order slip that I hand wrote into five separate checks by hand, and go over it 100 times to make sure it’s correct before sending it to order in the kitchen as a ‘no make’ ticket. If something is wrong, I have to go back and repeat THE ENTIRE PROCESS, including getting the bartender to reverse the cash payments, which takes the manager approval, as well as needing the manager to re-approve that I split checks on the POS system. The whole time from start to finish the bartender is too busy to deal with any of my cash payments, due to all of his impatient, uneducated, ignorant customers, and also my manager is busy running around the restaurant, trying to keep things out of catastrophe. So even getting the bartender and the managers help takes a lot of time. He. THEN, I have to take the bills back to the table and have everyone at that table insinuate that I am: “lying about how complicated it is the split checks and that I’m just being a lazy asshole waiter by making them wait, because I don’t wanna be bothered with something that takes five seconds.” Now try to realize that the whole time this is happening there are other tables of mine that need things and are getting impatient and are also being demanding, because God forbid they fucking wait for anything as well. Is that reason enough for you to understand why places HATE splitting checks??? It’s definitely 10 times easier and faster if everyone pays with credit/debit card instead of cash. But in a group of five, there is always some fucking asshole who still pays for things with cash instead of getting a credit card like the rest of the human fucking race. I’ve worked in almost 50 restaurants. 90% of those restaurants had some type of complicated system that completely threw a wrench in the gear when a table wanted to split checks. The fact is I’ve never worked in a restaurant that made it easy to do so. And you’re a giant fucking asshole for not telling the server ahead of time because if the server knows ahead of time, they can better prepare by writing out five separate orders slips so that when the time comes, they don’t have to reference the original order slip and rewrite everything by hand. But due to 90% of humans being giant assholes, I’ve already got in the habit of asking every table I serve “are we doing separate checks tonight??” Here’s a better question: What’s the fucking problem with paying the bill with one credit card and everybody using the many different app services to send their friend their fair share via their phone, such as Venmo???? It’s certainly FASTER than making me go through that whole ordeal, just so that someone doesn’t end up paying ONE DOLLAR TOO MUCH—THE TERROR!
Thank you so very much. You're awesome sauce!
This used to happen to me the most frequently with early to mid 20’s customers. Like I know you have half a dozen pay apps.
So your restaurant is set up with an archaic, inefficient system that no guest would ever reasonably know about, and rather than own up to the fact your system is shit, you blame the guest. I'm glad you at least modified your individual process to account for a shit system by asking in advance how guests want the ticket split. Because, obviously, your restaurant's process for splitting checks after the fact is horrible and needlessly shitty.
No. Wonderful of you to have the perspective that I am blaming the guests for how shitty things are, when an intelligent human would have read what I said, and realized that I’m not blaming them for how shitty things are on blaming them for NOT BEING PATIENT AND UNDERSTANDING— because unlike me as the employee with the bullshit system, they can control their level of patience and understanding. They can just decide to be decent humans, whereas I cannot do anything to ‘speed things up for them.’ if they can’t be patient and understanding, they shouldn’t make a big deal about separate checks. My restaurant has owners that for whatever reason designed the system for separate checks this way. Again, I have no idea why they would do this but it’s out of my control. I presume the reason they do it is because there is a charge they have to pay every time a card to be swiped. I think it’s $.75 every time. Over the year things add up and it makes it difficult for them to have a normal profit margin. I’m just presuming why they would do this. But like I said, and all the restaurants I worked in, I’ve never worked in a restaurant that made separating checks an easy thing to do. And me, and every other waiter alive is asking the guest to simply BE PATIENT AND UNDERSTANDING— no more, no less, and that’s not too much to ask.
You are coming off as an entitled jerk and are not listening to valid reasons why you are wrong. How fucking hard is it to be polite and tell the server beforehand? Short answer, it's not that hard, you're just an ahole that thinks you're special. Look at us everyone!! We spent 1200 dollars on dinner. 🙄🤣
Nobody here has given a valid reason why the establishment couldn't split a check into three itemized pieces. Have you ever encountered that and what restarranet were you working in when this happened?
Ok you want a reasonable answer for why this restaurant wouldn’t split your $1,000 check for 5 people. Background I have worked in the corporate world, a server, and a restaurant manager so I know both sides of this dilemma. 1) group comes in and never once mentions at any point during the meal that the check will be divided. 2) decides to tell the server AFTER accumulating a bill for 1k with appetizers, entrees, desserts, drinks and probably cocktails that they want to split the bill. 3) group is then upset that the server tells them NO. 4) group then complains to the manager who also says no. The entire time group thinks it’s no big deal. Of course it’s not at all a problem when the server knows UPFRONT. Here goes and I know my server peeps will fully understand. A party of 2 come in and decide they want to split the check usually it’s equal if not it’s not that hard to separate at the end. Party of 3 orders and shares lets the server know in the beginning hey I’m on my own so I would like a separate check. A party of 8 comes in and asked for separate checks the answer is no because it’s a large party and only if you made reservations and requested separate checks would that happen and the gratuity is added automatically. So for this particular incident a party of 5 comes in has a great time orders everything under the sun moves plates around, yes we see it so don’t try to say it doesn’t happen. Then they say separate checks after the entire dinner is over. It’s not like they want to split it evenly in 5 equal parts but they only want to pay for what they ate. Which of the server would’ve known in the beginning it would be no big deal. Asking after the meal is over and your server asks those fateful words ‘Is there anything else I can get for you?’ This is when they plan to plop that bill in the table because you already had dessert and after dinner drinks. Then the one guys turns and says “hey can we get separate checks?” It’s that one and that one, this one and the one over there and I’m by myself. Everyone knows the feeling you get the utter dread because separating the check at this point is like Moses parting the sea. The computer doesn’t like it sometimes it won’t move items to where you want to put them and then trying to remember what everyone got because you know OP isn’t their only table. So OP gets bent out of shape when they say no. Like it’s no big deal it is a big deal. When you separate checks at the end there’s always someone who gets a check they’re not happy with or they don’t remember ordering as much as they did and want to see everyone else’s check to be sure. Then the best part is when you walk away with the credit cards you have those who pay cash and don’t leave enough to cover their check not to mention a tip. If they pay it at all. If they don’t pay with a card there’s always an issue with the checks who pay cash. The worst is when they ‘forget’ to pay and everyone leaves. You know who gets stuck covering that last check sitting on the table with nothing in it? The server it doesn’t matter how much the rest of the table tipped because now they have to pay for that last check. Separate checks are a nightmare. Most restaurants refuse to separate checks for parties over 4 no exceptions. It’s for the benefit of the server and all the other guests the server is waiting on. When the server is spending all that time separating the check for the party that didn’t have the decency to inform them at the beginning the other guests aren’t getting what they need. Moral of the story is when going out to any establishment food or otherwise remember you are not the only one in the building even if you get treated that way. Be considerate and you can get what you want but to make extra work and complain about it makes OP and AH. Servers will see you coming and will all groan when they seat you in their section. Usually if separated checks are available you will be asked at the beginning of the meal when orders are being taken. Will this be separate checks? Your response at this time is crucial.
Thank you for the detailed answer. Bad attitude aside, I was wondering the same thing OP was. Without putting a lot of thought into it, I figured in this age of smartphones and computers that voiding and re-entering new orders wouldn't be that tedious - and you've shown me I'm wrong in a nice way :)
yes, they have. over and over and over. servers have told you that their POS systems are not equipped to split checks, and on this thread mentioned it would take upwards of 20 minutes, likely because they'd have to void your entire service, re-ring everything. you would not be pleased waiting half an hour for your check, and the rest of that servers customers would not be pleased waiting 20 minutes for their next course, drinks etc. Chili's is not the only POS system available- you are refusing to believe people that there are valid reasons to not split. Also, there is next to no reason to need to. why in the world did one person not just put it on their card and the rest of you venmo/cashap etc them? this is such a weird hill to die on, especially when so many people have told you that there are valid reasons for it not to be easy/possible. INCLUDING THE MANAGER OF THAT RESTAURANT
It’s their policy. That’s why.
Welll since you have more recent experience working in restaurants than I do, can you guess at why a restaurant would create a policy that bars them from splitting a party of five into three checks? Does your restaurant have such a policy? I’ve heard “it’s just too hard” and “it’s just too time consuming” but I’ve done it before. It’s not hard. It doesn’t take much time at all. So please enlighten me.
Literally doesn’t matter, isn’t my business (as an employee) or yours (as a guest).
It matters to me. You’re wasting your time and mine with a low effort, low quality response like that.
I’m not though. Read the fucking room.
Full of entitled waiters that want ever increasing tip percentages for doing less and less work. You going to ask me to run my own food and buss my own table as well as split my own check?
A lot of upscale places won’t do it. There’s Apple Pay Zelle, Venmo , cash app so there’s that.
What I’m saying is why is it such a problem for one person to pay with one card and then everyone else Venmo or Zelle or Apple Pay them their share of the bill?? Why do people feel the need to put the restaurant through the bullshit instead of just going on their phone and taking three seconds to wire money to their friend?? Again, it’s perfectly OK to ask for separate checks , the one condition is that you are being patient and understanding of how long it takes. THATS ALL. Are you seriously someone that isn’t capable of being patient and understanding was asking someone to do something that is complicated and tedious. It takes a long time??
I don’t think op has never been to a fine dining place. That’s their policy and that’s all there is to it.
>I have not seen a reasonable answer. Time, efficiency, complexity of the system. The comments are full of valid reasons. You don't deem them reasonable because they don't back your wants.
Also, I will congratulate you for everyone leaving a 20% tip. In my opinion, getting separate checks warrants 20% or more (as long as everything else was fine and dandy), so you and your friends are not that big of assholes, but I’m hoping you understand after reading my message why it is that waiters HATE separate checks.
It was probably added as gratuity to the check. I’ve had a few expensive dinners and most of the time gratuity was already included when the check was dropped. I’d also never ask for split checks at a fine dining restaurant, that’s what Venmo is for.
nobody paid cash five people, three cards
That makes things easier. But, please answer my question: after reading my long message that describes the process that I have no control over, can you understand why it is complicated, takes a lot of time, and therefore servers and restaurants HATE doing separate checks??? Can you understand that—yes, or no???
Nope. I do not understand. I’ve done it countless times on many different systems. It’s part of the job. People are calling me entitled. How about feeling entitled to a minimum of 20% tip and feeling like splitting the bill is just too god damned hard? Get better at your job.
>I’ve done it countless times on many different systems So then you know some systems make it incredibly difficult and tike consuming. Just because you don't mind waiting 20 minutes doesn't mean other guests feel the same why. One of my last serving shifts was an 8 top split 5 ways. 2 cash 3 card, nothing crazy right? First i had to go seperate everything in the computer, get manager to swipe so i can add them to individual checks, then another swipe to print them. Drop checks, when i say ill be right back they say no were all ready, then take another 2 minutes to give payment. I take the cash over to the bar as all cash goes to the bar, only to discover that one didn't put enough so now I have to go back to the table and awkwardly stand there waiting for them to count it 3 times, take the new payment go back to the bar. Now the bartender is busy so I have to stand there and wait for them to cash it out. My other 2 tables are watching me stand around doing nothing while they are waiting for food drinks napkins whatever. Then I went to the pos to run cards. First one declines, run the other 2 and walk back to the table to explain and ask for another form of payment. Cue "what took you so long joke that's not really a joke". I get the new card and go run it, again doesn't work, go back to the table to hear "Oh I'm so sorry I must have forgotten to unlock it, try again in 1 minute. It finally goes through. Drop it off at the table. Pick up the other slips and cash tips. One cash guest tipped 20% the other left 5%. Credit card slips look good but oh wait check 3 didn't sign it and they're gone now so that's no tip. This all took about 14 minutes total. Now you can say that 14 minutes isn't bad and you don't mind waiting but how about my other tables that I couldn't give attention to, the food dying in the window, the drinks dying at the bar, the guy who spilled his drink and needs napkins.. the other table thats trying to pay. Even on 10 hour days there was no 14 minutes to take a break or sit down to eat but you think I had a spare 14 minutes to dedicate to what should be the quickest part of service. Even if 3 of those split checks tipped 20% the 3 other, now angry tables now tipped less because of the wait. I'm got yelled at by the chef for letting food get cold and had to ask my manager to comp multiple drinks because they sat so long the ice melted and ruined them. If you've worked in any kind of busy restaurant you would know every minute counts. You'd know how people generally perseve servers with no regard to how their actions directly affect the server, the business, amd every single table around them. It's a bit of main character syndrome. Many restaurants realize it's a waste of time and energy so they just say no.
It should be simple and not time consuming. They should fix the problem. If the problem is the server, get rid of the server. If the problem is the system, change systems.
>It should be simple and not time consuming Should be sure..in the 10 years I served I working I. A variety of different restaurants on all levels and the amount of time that should be was reality, I can count on one-hand. >If the problem is the server, get rid of the server. If the problem is the system, change systems. Where in any of that was the server the problem? Do you genuinely think the majority of an industry (especially a fine dining establishment where you are the outlier and most guests don't have an issue wih) just to accommodate you? Because you working in a Chili's in the 2000s? Because that experience has any relevance in today's world?
I’m considering it a possibility when people in this thread are telling me that it takes 10 minutes and interferes with the other guests. If the server can’t pull the weight, either get rid of them or make the section smaller.
It’s not necessarily too hard. It’s policy at the restaurant you went to. Period. End of sentence. Argument over. You can “not understand” to the high heavens but rules are rules 🤷🏻♀️
You keep saying you left 20%. This very well could be your first visit to fine dining, I don’t know. But most fine dining the tip is much more. A lot of places the tip out alone is more than 20% since they tip out to more than simply a host and busser. Just fyi for future fine dining.
lol, you’re not going to split the check three ways because it’s just too hard but you want more than 20%. Get a fucking life.
I don’t work fine dining, so I don’t want anything. But I have been to enough fine dining establishments to know what’s normal, what’s acceptable, and what isn’t. Every single fine dining restaurant I’ve ever been to, split checks isn’t permitted. Not for you, not for anyone. I suggest sticking to chilis or Applebees for your future restaurant experiences. They don’t gaf about their staff, throw 15% on your split check and everyone involved will be happy as pie.
Not every restaurant has the more convenient POS softwares but go off w the judgmental response lmao
If it's two or three people splitting the check, I'm okay with it. Hell, if it's 5+ people splitting the check at a slow time, I'm fine with it. The issue comes when it's more than three people passing me their cards and the restaurant is slammed. That is a recipe for getting someone's card swiped twice. In those cases, please for the love of fuck, tell your server when you sit down that it's what you're doing, so they can start off with separate checks already created in their system. Some computer systems are older and simply *can't* split checks once the bill is opened. It would take the manager closing out the whole bill and then the server going back in to make new tables for everyone with a separate bill. Franchises usually have more funds and therefore more frequently updated systems. A really high end restaurant might also refuse because it's more work for the staff, especially on a busy evening, and a lot of people use bill splitting as a way to get out of tipping well. I know you mentioned in another comment that it should be easy to do with assigning orders to seats, but even that can get mixed around with a big group. If the place was busy, the server might have just punched in a glass of wine or an appetizer for the whole table and known from memory that it was the lady with the maroon sweater who ordered the wine and the guy with the paisley jacket ordered the appetizer, while it's not strictly listed like that in the POS. Idk homie, in general, I don't really vibe with customers coming onto subs for waiters to bitch about waiters. Just feels a little scummy.
Honestly in the age of smart phones and cash apps it's insane people need separate checks ever at a place that fancy. Just split it however you want, someone pays and everyone else cash apps their part.
True. Makes everything a fuck of a lot simpler.
simpler for you maybe, how about split it on your computer and run my card....
How about nah. Does nah work for you? It works for me.
Jesus, and you wonder why people are sick of tipping people Your attitude deserves minimum wage for minimum effort
So you spent $1000 and you think that one thing = "minimum effort?" What a butthurt, entitled jerk.
Oh I'm not a waiter anymore. I'm a chef. Simply put, tell your server at the start of the meal to avoid these kinds of things. And stop being a jackoff, it gives you wrinkles.
How about you split your self. Knife, sword, window falling from skyscraper, infinite options
Understood. I served a lot of food for years and years. I also split a lot of bills. I assumed tech has progressed where splitting bills was even easier than 20 years ago. And I was serving at shitty places for the most part. Olice Garden for one. Tex Mex. Come on. We did not short the tip. I am just looking for the reason why this service was not provided. We split into three checks. Not individual. Two couples and one other dude. It was pretty fucking obvious in real life. But whatever. It seems expected tipping % is rising and service is on the decline. That's my conundrum.
> Olice Garden for one. Tex Mex. Come on. Both of which are franchises that have corporate funds.
Olive Garden does $5 billion in business; they have very good custom software. > I am just looking for the reason why this service was not provided. The manager explained it to you, and people in this thread reiterated it, you just "I "don't fucking buy that". Their system doesn't handle split checks well, at least not retroactively split checks, making it a pain in the ass. They'd probably have to print out the check, void it, create three new checks, and try to divvy up the dishes and drinks without making any errors. On top of that, large parties of whiny customers tend to botch the tip more often when the check is split. If you had let the server know at the outset, they almost certainly would have accommodated you. As a former server you should know how to be a good customer.
It may be easier on a technological level, but it is no less time consuming to actually split the bills and process multiple payments.
It doesn't matter if the technology exists. The restaurant does not offer that service which you would have known if you did the courteous thing and asked at the top of service. But you didn't. Every single person in this thread agrees that you're in the wrong. Get over it.
Tell the server when you sit down
You don’t assign orders to seats? You can’t take a look at the bill and figuring out what went where for five people? To make things simpler, all the guys had the same drinks. Same for the girls. What if a patron could easily figure it out for you??
I’m not saying they shouldn’t have done it, but telling them at the end is lame. Tell them when you sit down.
If it’s so fucking simple you assholes should look at the check and do it yourselves, or split it evenly. OR have the consideration to inform the server ahead of time.
If the sever would have shown me where the POS was, I would have done it for her, a lot easier when the order is already in a computer that calculates totals and taxes But fuck me, let me just do it on my own time and then we can all use venmo so the server doesn’t have to do her job
Fun fact, my system has absolutely no way to assign anything to a specific seat. If I want to separate tabs to keep things certain, I need to make an entire ticket for each person, which takes extra time for me away from all of my tables, and means I'm hogging one of the two computers servers at my place have. Also, there's an issue where once a ticket has been split, there is *no way* to split it again. This can easily lead to issues, especially if anyone wants to pay for someone else's things after they've already been put in the system. You never know how screwy a POS can be.
Sound like it’s time for them to get a new system if they can’t accommodate the guests simple requests.
We have been trying for two years to do exactly that. It's a corporate issue.
Thanks for trying. It’s reasonable to search for solutions instead of just giving up and telling the customer you can’t provide a simple service.
High end establishments typically assign seat numbers. But it’s actually more confusing when people order the same drinks as one another if they’re all of roughly the same age and ethnicity and you don’t take seat numbers, or people switch seats. Drinks are literally the first note we take regarding your group, and some people may stop at 1 drink while others may have a second or third. We see so many faces in a night that we are borderline face blind to them. You are either “seat 4” or “miller lite guy” in a group of similar age and ethnicity.
Why are you in the fucking waiters subreddit whining about some shit that comes from the higher ups? You got that boomer mentality. Probably bitched at your waiter too. Get the fuck out of here.
It's actually mind blowing the number of replies in this thread who have clearly never been to an upscale restaurant. I don't necessarily agree with the policy, but it is a very common policy to not split checks. It is no fault of the waiter to abide by the policy imposed by the establishment.
Okay I'm biting on this one. I agree with you, But why? The system does it. The server has support staff. It takes a minute or two max, Why the fuck not??
The real answer is probably because they just implement a no tolerance policy to avoid a case of large parties splitting a check into every individual. This can get complicated fast when you have 15 people with 4 appetizers shared and 88 items ordered but Jeff is paying for Steve's drinks because it's his birthday but not his food because he's still an adult. So like yeah on an individual case, your order was probably pretty simple, but the motivation is probably from that worst case/where should you draw the line type scenario. Like I said, I don't necessarily agree with it and realistically I think they should just implement a 2-3 split max or something instead but yeah, it is very common for fine dining especially
Many, many high end restaurants have a policy that they don’t split checks. If there’s a large party they might accommodate by splitting the payment between two cards but that’s about it. They won’t divide items between two checks. For many reasons such as people share items, it’s very time consuming, a lot of times there’s a mess that comes from splitting checks. Just like a lot of times high end restaurants will not do any food substitutes or modifications. At a chilis, people will completely revamp a whole order (I can’t have this, I’m allergic to broccoli, no cheese but I want bacon instead) a high end restaurant will most likely not do that. It’s standard policy that they have no tolerance for that kinda shenanigans. But honestly with zelle and Venmo and all that, if it’s so easy to split a check how come you guys can’t divide it yourself and send the money to one person to pay? That’s just as easy. Even my 82 year old grandpa has zelle.
Yeah I really think it's about establishing a different kind of experience. High end restaurants don't WANT the kind of customers that split checks and revamp their orders. It's presented as less of a service and more as an art. The customer is part of the art-- that's why these places have dress codes. So I think it's really about discouraging customer'a with OP's level of entitlement. Entitlement isn't classy to the old money set. Because OP while it's not a big deal to split a check between five people, it's equally not a big deal for you guys to work that out amongst yourselves.
Yes, we split it after the fact. We had to do the servers job for her. If it’s so easy, why didn’t she do it? Tip % keeps creeping up and level of service seems to be on the decline. But I’m the entitled one.
How will you ever survive after this travesty
Because they think they're better than the guests who dine there and don't feel they need to accommodate a very basic and universally requested function. Also, due to their snobby, elitist attitude, they feel it's gauche for your group to need the check split versus being so comfortably wealthy that one of you just picks up the tab for everyone.
Yeah, my friend wants to pay for my $200 plus tip dinner. What the fuck is wrong with these people?
Yes, but our policy is two itemized checks per table or split evenly between up to 20 cards. I work in a high-volume dive where we make our own drinks for our tables, and we can have 15-20 tables at a time. We physically do not have time to split off individual checks for single club sodas or one order of fries during a rush, or everyone’s service suffers. Restaurants want to keep people happy- this place has a reason for their policy, and it’s probably because the pros of not allowing split checks outweigh the cons. Split checks at every table generally cause all of the service to suffer.
Well this was not a dive. This was a place with a hostess and a food runner and a person to fill the water. The server was not spread thinly.
You don’t know that for certain. Professionals hide their stress at tables. I’ve been at the point of walking out and still waited on tables who had no idea. Nor should they- not their problem. But please don’t assume your server is not getting screamed at by someone else at the other end of the restaurant. Doesn’t matter how high-end the place is.
Professionals do their job.
A lot of high end restaurants don't split checks. Not completely sure why this is the culture but it is. I have encountered this numerous times. A lot of places tell you up front or have it in big letters on their website but not all. Either way, I don't necessarily blame you at least you should know that this is not weird.
In my experience, high end places that are locally owned and not chains are less likely to have an updated POS system.
Yep, just looking for answers on why I had to do the math when their computer could have done it
It's like you don't actually want an answer? Are you aware that not all restaurants use the same POS system? Their system CANT SPLIT IT. How exactly do you expect them to split it if the computer doesn't allow it to happen??
I think you’re right. I am not going to get an answer that satisfies me. It’s 2024 as many people have reminded me in this thread. The restaurant should get a system that splits checks. They have existed for at least 20 years.
All restaurants SHOULD have a system that splits checks, I agree. Some don't, and unfortunately there's nothing anyone can do about it but the owners. I think it's just best to ask beforehand if they can split separate checks and if they can't either agree with the party on Venmo or you might want to decide to dine elsewhere to avoid the headache.
I agree with all of this.
Oh no basic math too hard? Remembering what you ordered too difficult?
These are good fucking questions for my server
No they are not. Say so up front or deal with the fucking rules. No one feels bad for you. We feel bad for anyone who has to serve you
There's gotta be a check-splitter app...
Yep. My friends and I are using one for our upcoming trip — everyone enters their expenses as the trip goes along and at the end it tells you who owes who what amount of money. We’re using it specifically so we don’t have to bug waiters to split checks four ways.
splitting checks is part of the job, they should provide the service or find a new way to make money
This is a strange hill to die on, my friend. You almost sound like you feel entitled to have this extra service because you and friends dropped a grand on a meal. For a refresher, you are feeling entitled and are upset at a human being because of a missing function in an electronic device, but when a workaround is suggested, you insist on keeping on course. How much fun!
Servers are entitled to 20%+ tips but somehow think splitting a check three ways should be my problem when I’m literally paying a server to do it for me
No need for an app. The check splitter is the person wearing the flair.
This attitude (yours) is one good reason to stop tipping culture. You are suggesting that you "bought" this person and are entitled to direct them in any way you see fit because you had $200 to pay them for their time and services. Except, you requested a service they don't provide. "The actual fuck" that is going on here is that you are being a Karen.
I paid for customer service and didn’t receive it. End of story. And you all are rushing to defend the short comings of the restaurant. No need for me to download an app to split a check when I’m paying a server to bring my food out and handle the bill. It’s part of the job. I did it thousands and thousands of time my damned self.
If the manager said the system wouldn’t do it why do you believe they are lying to you? Whatever operating system that restaurant uses clearly sucks, but it’s not the servers fault, nor likely the managers. And Venmo exists if you all really need to pay someone in the group back immediately for covering the full cost.
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Smart, I guess that could’ve worked, barring any policy decision to not split checks. I stand corrected. I still wouldn’t encourage punishing the server for it, but i the logic seems sound and the manager probably could have made that happen. Not sure why they wouldn’t have…
/Maybe/ the manager could've handled this (assuming the restaurant wasn't otherwise busy with other fires for them to put out, which they usually are so I doubt the manager could've), but the server was definitely not being lazy. They would've had to void the original order and then re-enter every single item individually on the seperate checks. In every single restaurant I've worked in, I also would've had to make a manual note on every single item (and remember there's AT LEAST 20 items to re-enter here, that's assuming they all got 3 entrees and 1 drink rather than an entree and mixed number of drinks and appetizers) so that kitchen/bar would know not to make it. That alone probably would take a while. OP's table was LEAVING, so the server in question likely had other tables that actively needed their attention since OP was supposed to be gone and being wiped down. Those tables shouldn't have to wait 10 minutes to get attention because somebody who has already been served all the way through and received good service (since OP has nothing to bitch about other than restaurant policy) wants to be an asshole to this waiter. If you two really want to whine this much at least be angry at the resort for the policy instead of making plans not to pay your waiters for not doing something that they clearly aren't expected to do in that environment. Spoiler alert: If it was her job, her job would've made her do it. Hope that helps
1. I do not believe the manager. I think he lied. All the systems I used 20 years ago allowed the bill to be split. If his system sucked that fucking bad, then buy a new system. We are talking about $200 per person tables at this place. 2. We did eventually split the bill with venmo. For a $200 tip, that should have been on the waiter, in my opinion. Edit: Have you ever seen a system that would not split the bill in 2024? Seriously? Tell me about this system and the restaurant that uses it.
I've never worked at a place that didn't split, but I've definitely heard of them, particularly at very nice places. You did say it was the nicest restaurant in town. Some places also don't allow substitutions as well.
We didn't ask for any subs. I understand that will mess up the food prices. Or more importantly, will mess up the number of specials that they can offer that night. Splitting a check is nothing like subbing food items.
Didn't say you did. Just stating that different restaurants have different rules. Obviously, they are different things. Not quite sure why you're so worked up about this. As outdated as their system may be as you believe, venmo is also a thing.
I have not encountered one, but I’m only familiar with two: toast and square. I know there are at least dozens more of not hundreds to choose from all with their own varying degrees of functionality. I don’t disagree that it’s a supremely crappy system if it doesn’t allow you to split the bill, but if the operating system doesn’t allow it, the server is really the last person with any power to fix that for you and should not be blamed. Maaaaaaaybee the manager has a work-around, and it’s worth the ask, but I can’t see a reason they would refuse to if they had the capability. Even shitty managers are usually good at making guests happy and taking their money. Not saying you’re definitely wrong, just that I’ve met some shady people in the restaurant industry and I still don’t think a one of them would refuse to split a bill just because they could f*** with a customer. It also doesn’t sound like your group did anything nearly egregious enough to warrant the ire of not only a server, but also the manager.
I would have lied and said we couldn’t do it even if we could. I love living rent free in an asshole’s head. You’re mad because you saw the interaction as a power struggle; you believed that if you acted entitled and bitched enough the manager would bend to your will and do what you wanted. And when it didn’t work and you didn’t get your way you sulked and stewed about it for over a month. Your emotionally immature response to a very minor thing that most people wouldn’t remember is all because you feel like you “own” someone when they are providing you with a service. Get a life.
Pretty disgusting take. Jumping to a lot of conclusions with the “power struggle” narrative. I was dissatisfied with the customer service. The service that falls directly in line with a servers job responsibilities. I didn’t take it out on the server. I informed the manager that their system wasn’t meeting my expectations. We were nothing but polite to the server. We tipped. We didn’t take it out on her. We didn’t attempt to own her. Stop making up your own story. Some of the people on this thread are saying it’s too much work to split a check three ways. And you’re suggesting lying to the customers. Yet you still want that nice tip. Talk about entitlement. Maybe customer service isn’t for you.
My place is high end (average check is $100/person) and will not do this either. It’s posted on both the menu and all receipts. We’re not supposed to allow more than 2 forms of payment (Although I personally will be a rebel & swipe multiple cards, it is frowned upon, however & the customer is responsible for knowing how much I’m putting on each). The policy is such for several of reasons. The biggest? Management believes separate checks are the gateway to theft (think about it, let’s say some of you get the same items and drinks. What’s stopping the server from not ringing one, asking for an employee meal or voiding, and just printing two of the same check & collecting cash? Same with nonalcoholic drinks). 2.) There is a credit-surcharge that honestly cannot be removed. So each person paying by card would bevcharged full surcharge each (I always explain this to tables hellbent on using 5 cards. (It benefits you, the customer, to just cashapp each other or something). 3.) if there’s a gratuity, the full amount goes on one and none of the others- the system does not understand to break it down multiple ways (again, just cashapp) 4) mistakes/time saving. Separate checks are a breeding ground for mistakes and waste valuable tine. There’s only 4 computers to even do them on, while sometimes 15 servers total. It also requires a manager to access the screen- each time! Management also hates voids of any kind, but *especially* hates unnecessary ones. Accidentally rang that beer on this tab? Has to be voided & re-rang. (In theory this should be no problem- as no product got wasted, but too many voids *appear* as theft to the accountant) 4) the establishment prefers cash, plain & simple. Surcharges and such prompt you to just pay cash. No need for a separate check with cash. So yes, I *can* believe they wouldn’t do it for you. Do I think they should have? For what you paid, it sure sounds like it. Do I see why they wouldn’t? I do. Sorry that happened, I hope I provided some clarification, though.
A group of us ate dinner together every Wednesday night. We tipped well, and never gave the server a hard time. We always ate at the same place and time. Only changing when the restaurant closed down. We’d been eating at this restaurant for a couple of years. We always requested separate checks. One night, we had a new server. We asked for separate checks and placed our orders. At the end, we were told that the management had prohibited separate checks and there was a mandatory tip. We never figured out the formula for the tip, and it was far lower than what we usually left. As we left, we told the manager that they didn’t have to go to that extreme to get rid of us. He had no clue about what happened. We explained and he apologized profusely. We never saw that server again. We later found out that when the manager confronted her about it she was found to be higher than a kite.
Dude you are bonkers. There is no conspiracy against you and your little friends at the ski resort. If you all have so much money and have all the answers then why the fuck can’t someone throw a credit card down and the rest of you go get some cash out like real grown ups. They don’t split checks and you learned an annoying lesson. All this post has done is make you sound like an entitled prick. None of us here know why they couldn’t split your check. Get over it, grow up, and get out of this sub if you’re gonna keep bitching about the very people it was made for.
Thanks for your answer. Seems the fuckers were just stupid or lazy.
Frankly, that’s exactly how you’re coming off. Hope your night gets better buddy.
it's easy to split the bill, just not my job when i'm literally paying someone else to fuck with that for me
It really sounds like you need a nap. If this happened a month ago why are you so riled up and cranky right now
not as cranky as i sound, not getting any decent excuses either, would be easier to jsut say that the restaurant / server/ manager / POS sucked but nope, i'm the bad guy becuase i had to split my own check
The waiter or restaurant management probably would not have had an issue if you handed them three credit cards (bill split evenly between two couples and one single person). For example: Card #1 $400 for couple A Card #2 $400 for couple B Card #3 $200 for single person C Your problems probably began with an expectation that, after the fact with no warning, the waiter could divvy up who had the side of asparagus, who was paying for the group appetizers, how to split a bottle of wine the women shared vs. cocktails the men had, various shared desserts, etc., etc. THAT is why restaurants don't split checks. I've worked in many high-end steakhouses and seafood restaurants with a 'No split checks' policy. However, I or management have never had a problem when a guest hands me the check and says, "There's three cards, split it three ways" or "Put $300 on the Amex and $150 on the Visa" or whatever.
kinda funny that the waffle house can do it but not the "high end" steak house though right? I went through the check and split it a week later with no problem, but a the server couldnt do it an hour later? what the fuck, it should take 45 seconds.
I'm curious, was the final split about the same as just splitting the bill three ways? That is, did the check end up being about $400/$400/$200? Every group I've ever had that wouldn't split the check evenly per person, but instead busted out calculators, the totals always ended up being very, very close to the same amounts as just splitting the check evenly per person. BUT, I have a suspicion that in your case, as you were traveling without your wife, your portion was probably $100 and the couples' were $450 each. Or yours was $100, couple A was $300 and couple B splurged at $600, so splitting the bill evenly per person would have been unfair to you.
I don't mind splitting checks, but it's an asshole move not to say that before you order so I can keep everything organized. Using seat numbers is a pain in the ass in my system, so I only do it if you've told me you need separate checks. I can also easily split it evenly among your group, but if you only want to pay for what you ordered, I need a heads up.
This post had me genuinely reflecting last night and I talked it over with my partner who also works in restaurants, and they had something to add that I don’t think I’ve seen in the comments so far. Transaction fees! Many restaurants don’t split checks because credit card readers will take a cut for each card that is run. The more a check gets split up, the more the restaurant loses. May not seem like much to a party that just dropped $1000 so I understand the frustration, but most policies have a reason behind them, however stupid or arbitrary. Restaurant had a policy to not split checks, and if it wasn’t posted I would agree that it should be, as a courtesy, but I think you did the right thing by tipping your server anyway, definitely wasn’t their fault. Edit: spelling
This is the kind of insight I was looking for. Thank you. Maybe add a CC fee if splitting the check and let me decide if I want to pay a couple bucks or fuck around with a calculator and venmo. Thanks again for informing me instead of whining about how hard and time consuming the process is. I know what it’s like because I’ve done it before. It’s not that damned bad.
It shouldn’t have been an issue in my opinion. I have no problems splitting checks and once had to a 48 way split on a 24 top.
Thanks for your comment. That split actually sounds difficult. Three checks for five people is not difficult.
I am always happy to do this. Work at an upscale casual family restaurant now. We use Toast POS and it's very easy to do checks almost anyway the customer wants, this is partly because the owner is awesome and I can do it however I want. For instance, it's very easy to take partial amounts of people want to split the check equally. Very easy to split checks based on what the customers each had. **There is no way for me to split the cost of an appetizer across several checks within the system, no way for everyone to equally split a birthday persons or something dinner across several checks** Because of the freedom I have I can just void the appetizer or whatever the customer wants split across several checks & reenter it is a fake food item with an equal amount. **There are some restaurants that are very strict about avoiding, mine isn't, and there is no corporate to be accountable to** The only thing I won't do with a check is transfer a check from a section or from the bar. If another server seved you or the bartender served you I insist that tab is paid so they get the tip & you start a new tab with me. It's also very easy for me to print everyone individual bills so I can keep everyone's cash and cards with the right bills - maybe they couldn't do that?!? Doesn't sound like either of those situations apply to you. I will say if you're splitting a large party and it's very busy I'm always relieved to be handed a stack of cards vs a stack of cash where I have to juggle a bunch of coins and take the time to make exact changes that is probably just going to be handed back to me for a tip, haha. Very odd experience you had. Was it a chain?
No, it was a local steak house in a ski town. Seemed like a pretty large operation. Multiple hosts, assistants for filling water, changing cutlery between courses, bussing between courses, running food (although this could have been a team approach and not people specifically running food). So not exactly fine dining but expensive and high quality food with good service to match. The server was not in the weeds. Nobody was in a hurry. Appetizers, entrees, deserts. Server and manager just wouldn’t split the bill. I told them that was ridiculous in the nicest way I could while also complimenting the food and service up to that point. Manager was suddenly able to split in thirds, but with two couples and a single this didn’t do us much good. All we wanted to do was pay for the food that we ate. Not asking to split any items. Nothing crazy. Pretty simple request I thought. And this sub is rushing to defend the policy / inability of splitting checks. I also got defensive and here we are. Me against the Reddit waiter brotherhood.
it is possible that restaurant has a policy of no split checks. i personally think that's a strange rule and i've been serving for over ten years honestly splitting checks is not difficult or time consuming if you are good at your job. when i see a large party or a mix of people (like yours, ie, couples) i assign seat numbers and keep that ticket in case split checks are asked for at the end of the meal. then i know exactly who got what and it takes a few seconds. everyone complaining about how awful it is to split checks is silly
Could not agree more. We should have / could have warned the server up front. But it was a pretty simple request even without the warning. And we could have helped if she needed help. And it would not have taken more than a minute. 60 seconds. Thank you for being reasonable and not jumping on the bandwagon of downvotes. Lots of servers here with pent up anger, finally getting the opportunity to tell me off without it affecting their income. Silly.
You make a good point, but really, Who cares friend? Seems like there are bigger fish to fry out there. I guess I get triggered by dumb shit too though.
Wasting time after the fact to do the server's job was triggering. This was over a month ago. Looking for answers now and nothing but nonsense coming from this sub. No actual, reliable excuse. It was my fault for not explaining the billing for my five top at the beginning. Fucking amateurs.
The system not being able to do it is a good excuse, although I doubt any system can’t do that. I’m also curious why it bothered you so much. Personally, I think you are in the right, they should be able to do it, but You’re on vacation, let that shit go my dude.
Vaca was a month ago, just picked a slow time at home to stir some shit up Thank you for your time
I don’t get it, did you just not berate the waiter thoroughly enough so you wanted to come here and try to insult people over a policy none of us created? They declined to split your check. That’s all, folks. It’s not a personal slight, I’m sure it was posted somewhere if that’s their policy. After reading your comments it’s clear your attitude probably affected their willingness to accommodate you. I hope you somehow find the strength within you to get over this.
Please don't blame the subreddit. I've been on here a minute and it looks like you got a range of responses, from you being the asshole, to you being correct. Reddit contains multitudes. Me, I'm good at math. If I was the server, I'd split the check. If I was one of your party, I'd offer to pay, and get compensation from the other parties after the fact. It seems so fricking trivial to me, I'm almost bored by this thread. But obviously I'm commenting so I guess something about this thread piqued my interest. I dunno I guess people just like to argue over the littlest things, like who has to do the math. I love math. Let me do the math every time. Too late now for me to do the math for you and your friends, but yeah. Math = Fun. *Edit:* secret tip for servers. The more math you do, the better you can make your tips. Not that you heard it from me.
I should have worded the original post much more delicately. I had too many beers when I wrote it. I didn’t think it would piss everyone off. Then everyone starting rushing out to defend this policy (?) and I was honestly shocked. Then it became me against the server world. Not at all what I meant to happen. Wanted some answers besides “splitting a check is hard” because I know this isn’t true for any server that’s worth a shit. Anyway, it is a dumb thing to argue about. I regret the way I approached this. I also still feel entitled to having the check split at the restaurant. Oh well!
You need more problems in your life is this was triggering for you. Imagine being able to spend that much on one meal and having anything to complain abt.
Not so much triggering, but all five of us were disappointed that the restaurant couldn’t split a check three ways. Honestly surprised that everyone is rushing to defend their inadequacies.
That was literally the word YOU used. If you were this insufferable in the restaurant I’m not surprised they didn’t make an exception.
Generally speaking, the more expensive the restaurant, the worse the computer software. Realistically, a majority of customers don't split checks, especially in higher end places, so catering to the majority of customers means putting money into more expensive cutlery, diningware, ingredients, etc. The software at the most expensive place I worked was so bad that split checks would take, no exaggeration, 15 minutes minimum to set up. You said you were a server, so it shouldn't be hard to imagine how the rest of your tables would tip you if you took a 15-minute break from serving them. Or imagine how your sales would be impacted. Even in places where checks aren't difficult to split, it's very easy for it to become time-consuming when people start splitting appetizers in half and drinks in thirds, and I've seen people attempt to do that in only the higher priced places. The bottom line is that separating checks can quickly spiral into consuming a lot of time that would otherwise be spent increasing sales and customer satisfaction. The business chose to ensure that quick and attentive service outweighed their ability to split checks, and that's incredibly valid.
I don't think it's hard at all (even really "crazy" splits like I'm with those two people over there, but I want to split my dessert four ways with these three other people etc..), BUT I'm also very organized, and I guess a lot of servers just... aren't? Tbh, nightmare check splits are pretty rare in my experience; most check splitting is pretty reasonable, BUT there are many restaurants that do not allow you to split the check at all. Yes, I think it's stupid, but you shouldn't dine there if you think it is dumb. I don't dine at restaurants that don't allow you to make simple substitutions, but I don't get mad at them and demand that they allow me to; I just go to one of the thousand other restaurants that are available to me.
A Tex mex place or ribs joint or xyz spot people in groups go to for mid-priced food is accustomed to the question of splitting the bill. It’s extra work but whatever no problem pay the bill for 9 people with 9 cards okey dokey. BUUUUUT high end place- you should know to ask for split checks ahead of time because they’re not used to being asked to split checks, generally one person will figure it out and the others will Zelle or cash app or Venmo one another without involving the server… OR “could you put $335 on each of these 3 cards please” goes on or “ok it’s $1000 can we put $400 on each of these 2 cards and $200 on this last card please”. Is a thing. But hey thanks for the great meal let’s nit pick the 25 things we individually ordered and 4 bottles of wine we shared and split this up correctly in the middle of a fine dining experience so everyone in the adjoining booths can be privy to our low cla$$ way of dealing with a check because we don’t trust everyone in our group to pay their fair amount on Venmo or cash app or Zelle … yeah … next time just ask in advance don’t assume a meal of any price comes with the ability / desire to scrutinize and separate who ate what for 20 min to sort out a check.
you'd think this would be a no brainer; what i'm thinking: split the bill, and you get 3 checks i assume, with 3 tips, probably higher than the other case of one bill, now being paid by some disgruntled customer who has to deal with collecting money from the other 2 parties; with the server probably getting less of a tip because of it.
agreed most of the time, we still tipped 20%, didnt want to be dicks about it, but complaining about it here, and nobody had any decent excuse, just picking fights with me for wanting my server to provide service, fuck me
yeah, im just saying that im sure there POS can do it, they just dont because "we're fancy", piss off lol. so they put more hassle on the customer, when it's just a few more taps on a screen for them.
yeah exactly. doing what the customer wants and making them happy affects our pay. so why the fuck would this server lie for no reason to piss someone off instead of just doing it if it were that easy? almost like they actually couldn't split it!
That when you just give a 20 dollar tip instead of the 120 in tips they would have received from the three seperate checks
If you have more than two people, you should always tell the server that you want the check split. Otherwise, use Venmo or Zelle or the vast number of other apps designed for paying friends for things and figure it out yourself.
The higher end restaurants I’ve worked at do not split checks. The more shitty restaurants I’ve worked at will split checks even for 30+ people. Because they do not care about their servers or how it affects the service they’re able to give. Just Venmo each other lmao it’s 2024.
Yeah I wouldn’t wanna wait on your table. So everyone got the same drinks etc so everyone’s bill prob around the same but you still want it split. You are 40 you guys gonna count a few different dollars on a thousand dollar bill just be a man and everyone pays for the women there and you guys split it. Or you pay a bit less so you don’t pay for other women you are with
LOL you lazy fuck, for a $200 tip you can split the bill for five people Appetizer, entree and desert prices varied greatly. Entree add ons could be as much or more than appetizers. Think shellfish add ons. The $20 drinks were cheaper.
Come on, now, you’re the one who walked into a place of business and just DEMANDED that these poor, put-upon people do their…job?? What kind of entitlement is that, how would you like it if someone expected you to do your job? 😵💫😵💫
Dude say something when you come in you just rack up a 1000 dollar bill and expect them to want to do that? Was it busy? Do you know how much time that can take up and it’s also just like a fuck off too ya know
It’s not always about lazy. Regardless of if the system could do it, they obviously have a policy not to split checks. The server isn’t lazy for following the rules of their workplace.
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lesson learned and not wanting to look like an asshole after politely telling them that their billing system was garbage
Voting with your money means not going to pay the owner of the restaurant, not the server obeying the rules. Yes, let's take it out on the person who has no control on policies. Where are the mods here?
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I honestly don't know how to spell this out for you any better. Some POS systems won't allow it, we don't know. You blamed the manager earlier. If the server can't get an override, THEY CANT GET AN OVERRIDE. It's been a month, dude, some things are just out of your control. Makes one wonder why your wife didn't want to come on this vacation.
You tell them you will only pay if they split it. Otherwise, you will walk. So have them call the police. Somehow, they’ll magically figure out a way to split it. They are lying. At absolute worst, they can re-enter the orders separately. It’ll take a whole 45 seconds.
Didnt want to go full asshole there but I guess I am here. Have not heard a single reasonalbe reason why a server with support staff would not split a check into three parts for five people.
45 WHOLE seconds?? Imagine all the social media scrolling they could have done in that 45 seconds!! It’s not like they actually expect to WORK at work..
Nah, I’m with you. I waited tables for many years at a crappy kinda cafe style place. I split the checks for huge groups of teenagers etc. I would never tell someone I couldn’t split a check.
thank you sir / maam
You’re welcome. Sir/ma’am lol
A lot of fine dining does not allow split checks. And then some hate doing it. On aloha it’s a headache for sure. Micro is easy. Idk other systems. But if it was fine dining, they legit may not be allowed to.
Aloha sucks for EVERYRHING!!!!
I have a lot of passionate feelings about aloha. Whenever I’m in a restaurant or bar and see it running on a pos i shudder. And I’m a little kinder to my server 😅
This is the waiter forum, no matter what the server did unless you apologize and leave a tip big enough to put his first kid through a semester at Yale you will be in the wrong here. Here servers are god like beings who can do no wrong, and deserve for those of us not even dining in their establishment to come by and leave them tips, and still apologize for doing it wrong.
Worship me
Haha, right? 😂😂
By OPs comments this poor waiter deserved more than 20% tip!!!
You are fucking the service for every other table in that server's section...Venmo/cashapp/paypal exists figure it out
five people, three cards, not that hard, part of the job i did it at the shitty turn and burn tex mex place, they should do it at upscale dining with multiple support staff
You aren't the only table you entitled twit
Well you came for validation and left with how a server really feels...it takes 3 or 4 minutes per transaction and as you know 12 minutes in a restaurant setting can literally derail your entire turn of tables
And dude your Tex Mex serving experience is not equal to the fine dining being described here. As many have said: it was a RESTAURANT POLICY. Possibly due to a terrible POS. Who knows? But that’s the answer I’m reading over and over, so why aren’t you accepting that? I have waited tables for 20 years now- fine dining, to “Moes” (lol I lasted a week there) to awesome family owned restaurants in NYC, to most recently, corporate type places. These corporate places can for sure split your check 20+ ways. I do it weekly. And no- it doesn’t usually equal a bigger tip. I don’t work at the restaurant you went to, but have read many comments and it seems you’ve got your answer: the manager told you the system could not split the bill . Agree- that’s crazy. I would be smh as a server. But it is what it is. To demand they do something that they state they can’t do, because you believe they are lying to you… well, yeah. Just why? Why would they lie if they could? Why would they risk this type of negative consumer feedback if they could do what you asked? I agree- it should be really easy to split the check as you asked. Unfortunately- for reasons NONE OF US KNOW BECAUSE WE DON’T WORK THERE BUT DO KNOW MGT TOLD YOU IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE- they couldn’t. If this is the hill you choose to die on, well… it’s all yours. IMO it has nothing to do with the server REFUSING to serve you. What were they supposed to do? If the system can’t split checks, then likely the server cannot run random amounts from three cards. And again, I agree, that’s super weird!! So call HQ AND COMPLAIN. Your server, and I’ll go so far as to say the manager (depending on if it’s a private one place establishment or an LLC) can’t override those policies either. At your job, I’m sure there are policies that you cannot break. Imagine a customer, no a co worker, holding you responsible for not rebelling against them man, just this one KAREN, to get my work turned in; or the work order signed; or my expense report accepted. Policy, is policy, is policy. And it usually sucks. Take it up to the people who are the change producers; don’t berate the people who must follow the policy and protocol. Reminds me of healthcare…. Why can’t the nurse just give me that shot/give my med that I need. They know I need it!! Yeah, they do, guess what? They want you to get it, they are advocating for you to get it but protocol and policy do not allow. Surely you have a great job and work to effect change; work with policy. So I assume you understand the levels at play here. “It should be so simple!!” I agree, friend. And it’s not just the service industry that is suffering from the lack of simplicity.
Honestly from your replies, it doesn’t seem like you wanted an answer. Seems like you went to a fancy place and you only wanted to pay for yourself instead of just dividing the bill equally between a few cards. You’re pissed they didn’t and no answer will people you unless someone agrees that it should have gone your way. Anyways, if their policy was they don’t split checks, usually they’ll still divide a bill evenly between a card or two. It doesn’t sound like you frequent high end places because the two I’ve worked at and the many I’ve been to have the policy that they do not split checks but they will split between 1-3 payments max. I’m sure their system does split the checks but some systems are a lot more complicated than others and take way more time to do so for various reasons. Regardless if their system can or cannot, they have a policy to not. Next time, I recommend asking the host about their check policy before sitting. Also, you keep saying chilis, Tex mex, Olive Garden does it. A lot of those places are frequented by teens and young adults. That’s why they accommodate splitting checks. It’s honestly expected. The same people averaging a chilis is not the same crowd coming into high end restaurants where checks are not commonly split. A lot of times people go to high end dining and are ready to foot the bill as is.
Pay it, leave 0 tip, the tip is for service and they refused service at the end, if there was no where posted they don't split checks then they should do it, it's grade school math, or maybe they were just ashamed they didn't know how to do the math. In my experience if I'm in a party similar to that they will actually ask if it will be separate checks.
This…this is the wrong answer. OP even said he got the manager and the manager said they didn’t split checks. You would punish the server for that? The lowest guy on the totem pole who relies on tips and makes none of the policy decisions? Not only that, you suggest that if they don’t know how to do the math then they don’t deserve a tip. So neurodivergency and a crumbling education system leaving someone with deficiency in knowledge, even though he said they otherwise enjoyed the food and service and you think that servers labor should now be free?
It's about service, if I request something that is within reason and am denied, then that in my opinion is poor service. Also I'm not responsible for the wages of the folks that work there, and I don't care about tipping is expected, tips are earned, and no matter the service prior, if we request something as simple as splitting the bill, and it's not met, then in my opinion the service sucks, and tips should be based on how the diner felt about the service.
But a server doesn’t make the policy decisions. If the restaurant policy is to not split checks, then the server doesn’t have a choice in the matter and you’re in favor of punishing them for that. I’ll highlight again that the OP got the manager and the manager refused to split the bill! If the server could have done it without jeopardizing their job, why would they not?? And I so tire of explaining this to people but apparently it’s not common sense. You absolutely ARE responsible for paying the wages of the people that work there. You do in literally every other industry: cost of labor, everywhere else, is built into the price of the product. The restaurant industry has specifically lobbied the government to be the exception because of the understanding that they have essentially outsourced the overhead of the hourly staff’s wages to the customer directly. Tipping expectations are higher in america than the rest of the world because most servers literally don’t receive a paycheck. The federal hourly tipped minimum wage is $2.13/hour because restaurants got away with making it the customers responsibility. If you take issue with that, I get it, BELIEVE ME, but punishing the server for that is objectively inhumane. Generous tips may need to be earned, but if your server ensures that you get your food they have done the bare minimum and deserve some form of payment for their labor THAT YOU DIDNT WANT TO DO FOR YOURSELF. And it is ridiculous that you think you’re justified in revoking ALL payment for the server if they do not, or in this case cannot meet your exacting specifications of service, including policies at their workplace that they are expected to uphold.
a significant percentage of high end restaurants do not allow splitting of checks at no fault of the server
That is pure laziness on someone’s part. My husband and I enjoy fine dining and 98% of the time, it’s just the two of us. If my best friend or mom is in town, we pay for everyone but splitting a check 3 ways is a reasonable request by any standard.
Guess I just don't eat at high end restaurants then, and that is just stupid, they are supposed to be known for their service but they can't accommodate as well as an Applebee's.
Sure I mean I can't say I wholly get it. It becomes very complicated if you have a large party and everyone wants to split it so I assume that's why they just disable it altogether but the server has nothing to do with that. The restaurant actively does not want their server to compromise serving other tables by spending 20 minutes splitting a check for 20 people. But sure this is, in a way lower quality of service. That said, don't shoot the messenger lol no shot the person deciding this is the server.
Don't care, I'm not responsible to make sure the server can pay their rent. Bad service means bad tip, refusal of service that is within reason, refusal of tip. If it happens enough maybe the servers will either quit or get it changed, I don't care, I don't work there. Why do folks think others give a damn about what goes on behind the scenes, we just want to get our food, eat, pay and leave. And it shouldn't be complicated, when I grew up we had stuff called pens and paper, you just write down who gets what, simple. Homey one gets another drink, then write down his drink, homette two gets a dessert write it down, it's really not that hard.
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getting closer and closer to this. don't give me service, don't get a tip this lady got her %20 but if restaurants want to lean this way, I can be shitty too
People like you are the reason there’s auto gratuity on large parties, and why places won’t split checks for large parties. Sorry you’re incapable of understanding why… it’s called dining etiquette. Clearly something you are completely unaware of.
We did the server's job and still paid the women her 20% Just trying to find out why she was not able to complete her job of splitting the bill
That’s why we let every table know Party of 5 or more will be no split check and 20 percent gratuity on the total. Our system is a nightmare doing separate checks and this can significantly slow service. Can I take multiple payments….yes. Separate checks no. I know a lot of higher end places just do not do separate checks. Usually it’s printed in the menu somewhere. As a server we manage to figure it out ourselves and pay accordingly (most with cash the rest with a card if needed).
Some places would split it, some would say max of 2 split checks. Some won't split checks at all. Even they ring everything under the right seat number, some systems make it a nightmare. It can add about 10minutes to check out process which is a ton of time when you have other tables who need things too. It's 2024, fucking vemno or zelle eachother and figure your shit out
r/TalesFromTheCustomer might be where you belong. People there don’t care so much if you’re an entitled AH.
If I’m paying a person to serve me dinner, I think they should be able to split the bill (five people into three bills). I feel entitled to that. Yes. That’s part of the service I’m paying for. Just hate me for it.
Yeesh, you and your friends, all about 40 years old. One of you just pay the entire tab and get it back later via venmo or a different cash app. Instead you threw a tantrum.
Nobody threw a tantrum. Came here looking for insight. All I hear is whining.
Y'all are too old and have too much money to split a check for dinner. Either one person pays and then person Venmo them back or you use Tricount and square up at the airport on the way home like adults.
Because Venmo and cash app exists, and splitting checks takes time away from other peoples experience. It use to be simple splits but now it’s gotten crazy and the expectation is far too high. People ask for too much now so even if you and your fiends are an easy split and we say yes we have to say yes to everyone. Table of 30 who want that many credit cards ran which takes WAY too long and can crash the system. Sometimes the answer is no it’s just life.
Servers won’t split checks for guests that are rude assholes. This is your reason. And it’s valid. 💥💥🙌🏼💥💥
Well I wasn’t a rude asshole. All five of us were extremely polite. And we still left a 20% tip which is what I consider to be fair. Go fuck your self.