Yes, You Should Be Tipping for Takeout—Here’s How Much to Give

When it comes to takeout food, the question of whether or not to tip may have crossed your mind. After all, when you order delivery, tipping is a common practice to appreciate the convenience. But with takeout, you’re the one picking up the food. So, do you still need to leave a tip? According to Marina Charny, owner of The Beer Garage and WILD Park Slope in Brooklyn, NY, the answer is yes. There’s still time and effort put into preparing your takeout order, ensuring it’s correct, packaging it, and handing it off. Plus, ordering takeout saves you time and effort in the kitchen.

But how much should you tip for takeout? Charny suggests aiming for 5% to 10% of the order total. This is less than the 18% to 20% typically recommended for sit-down restaurant dining. When it comes to food delivery, the standard is often around $3 to $5, taking into account the distance the driver traveled and the total cost of your order. However, there are situations where you might consider tipping more, such as if the staff is extra attentive or during busy times.

Ultimately, tipping for takeout is a personal choice, but it’s worth considering the hard work of preparing your meal and the fact that many restaurant staff rely on tips for their income………..[read more]

Rising Dough

How do tipping practices for takeout and delivery orders impact the restaurant industry’s overall economy, and what role do consumers play in supporting the livelihood of restaurant workers through these tipping decisions?