Maggiano's Brides - Gratuity Question

red1115

I was reviewing our contract and didn't see anything regarding gratuity - just the service charge.  For the brides who been there, done that - how did you handle it?  Did you add the amount at the end of the night to the final bill (for everyone), or pass out individual envelopes to the DJ, bartender, servers & banquet captain?  Is the going rate in Vegas, still 18% or has it creeped up to 20%?

Just trying to keep a handle on the budget & not let anything surprise me!

ebonyivory10

I thought they dispersed the 20% tax/service fee/gratuity amongst the staff? I actually hadn't thought about an additional gratuity. The dj is separate, I would assme just tip them directly?

This may be a useless post, I'm not sure about any of this.  

RachNRich

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_maggianos-brides-gratuity-question?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:91Discussion:bad30c2f-4411-4ccd-ae58-c6de2724439dPost:4ac82611-3a0b-472a-ba09-85743f273dce">Re: Maggiano's Brides - Gratuity Question</a>:
[QUOTE]I thought they dispersed the 20% tax/service fee/gratuity amongst the staff? I actually hadn't thought about an additional gratuity. The dj is separate, I would assme just tip them directly? This may be a useless post, I'm not sure about any of this.  
Posted by ebonyivory10[/QUOTE]
This.<div>
</div><div>I don't remember the exact amount, but gratuity is included in your cost---however, I think it's a smaller amount, like 13%. I know my H tipped more at the end of the night though (give him a few drinks and he starts throwing $$ around!!)</div>

red1115

LOL - My honey is the same way! 

Well good to know your experience, as I was under the impression the "service charge" was separate from "gratuity" as it usually is in larger cities - but a 13% rate is great.  Although if the service continues as great as its been, I know I'll be tipping one top of that!

Thanks!

SusanS2010

I believe I was charged a 20% service charge on my total bill.  I gave Jeremy, our banquet captain, an extra $100 tip since he worked really hard the night of our reception and made everything better.  He also worked as our bartender during the night.   I didn't have a DJ, so I didn't have to deal with that tip.

starry123

Can someone please explain what a service charge is? I'm not really sure if it's an American thing (I'm from UK) Thanks!  x

red1115

I think we'll just budget 15% and spread that cash amongst the Captain, Crew & DJ after the party,  It seems the best way to handle it.

Starry - I found this article that might help explain the difference - hope it helps!

http://lesliemanningevents.blogspot.com/2008/09/service-charge-vs-gratuities.html

Now I think in Nevada Tips are taxable, but thats not the case everywhere.  But here's what I understand the case is;

"While “tip” and “gratuity” mean essentially the same thing, a service charge is a different animal. Tips are voluntary in nature, and usually are given in person, in cash, before, during, or after the person provides the service. In most states, they are not subject to sales taxes - unless the tip or gratuity is in reality a service charge, or is inadvertently called a service charge in the contract.

Service charges, which are mandatory, are subject to sales tax in most states. Service charges don't necessarily go directly to employees, either, at least not in their entirety. They are often used to offset other expenses and cost increases."

IamtheBestBridesMaid

FYI . . . Conicidentally, I just spoke to someone today with regard to arranging a banquet at Maggiano's for a business meeting.  The 20% service charge is IN LIEU of the gratuity.  In other words, DO NOT ADD A GRATUITY to the total bill, as it has been included.  I was specifically told that for banquets, the servers are paid a GRACIOUS hourly wage and are compensated from the proceeds of the bill and service charge.  Last but not least, applicable sales tax is calculated on the bill for food and beverage, as WELL as the "Service charge" . . . Not sure about the tax on food in Las Vegas, but I am here in Southern California where the tax is 8.75%.
Personally, I don't agree wtih 20% on a bill when you are already paying a premium for having a large party, but if it works for you that's great.

SunnyCanadian

Yeah, we didn't tip extra because the 20% service charge IS the tip.

kdelprince

Things have recently changed at Maggiano's... the 20% Service Charge is to cover labor costs and administrative fees (???) and the servers get NONE of it. As for a "gracious" hourly wage... most of the servers make between $10-$13/hr. Not exactly a good rate for this industry. Unfortunately, the restaurant is misleading the guests into thinking they are tipping when they in fact are not. Also, the servers are not allowed to tell the guests this information unless they are specifically asked. FYI.

ebonyivory10

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_maggianos-brides-gratuity-question?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:91Discussion:bad30c2f-4411-4ccd-ae58-c6de2724439dPost:e401e432-d2f4-433a-8a13-4092fe688082">Re: Maggiano's Brides - Gratuity Question</a>:
[QUOTE]Things have recently changed at Maggiano's... the 20% Service Charge is to cover <strong>labor costs</strong> and administrative fees (???) and the servers get <strong>NONE of it.</strong> As for a "gracious" hourly wage... most of the servers make between $10-$13/hr. Not exactly a good rate for this industry. Unfortunately, the restaurant is misleading the guests into thinking they are tipping when they in fact are not. Also, the servers are not allowed to tell the guests this information unless they are specifically asked. FYI.
Posted by kdelprince[/QUOTE]

So they get paid from it via the hourly wage, but they don't get a gratuity?
I will have to go back and read my contract.

jharris123

My old roomate used to work for Maggianos, and I know these things because she would come home every night complaining about it.  Actually the 20% "event fee' on your bill goes directly to the restaurant, the servers get none of that.  They get paid a flat hourly wage.  And those wages are probably between $12 and $18.  They usually work about 5 or 6 hours a shift, so getting between $60 an $100 per shift before taxes.  The whole company switched over to hourly pay for banquets over a year ago for various reasons, but mostly to save/make more money.  Before, banquet servers would probably average 20-25 an hour with the gratuity and minimum wage.  The 20% used to get shared amongst the servers and the house 12/8 or 14/6 something like that depending on the particular restaurant.  So a $12-18 an hour wage might seem generous, but you are talking about in some cases banquet servers making 30-50% less a week then they used to.  She by the way no longer works there, so maybe things are different now but probably not.