Thoughts...in the key of me.

After repeatedly making half as much in tips as I should be night after night at Bonefish Grill I figured it was time to inform you, the general public, of today's correct tipping procedures. Please read carefully and adjust accordingly.

-15% is NO LONGER THE EXPECTED MINIMUM. I don't care if you're at Cracker Barrel or The Sun Dial...you should be tipping AT LEAST 18%. THIS IS THE NEW MINIMUM.

-Adjust your tipping to reflect the quality of the service. If your service is mediocre, by all means tip 18%. However, if you are at a quality dining establishment such as Bonefish or other pricier establishments, you probably should be tipping a bit more. For excellent service at an excellent dining establishment YOU SHOULD BE TIPPING 20%. Bottom line. It is not acceptable to go into a quality establishment and tip 15% for excellent service. If you want to do that, go to Applebees or something. If you are a businessman and are using a corporate card, THERE IS NO EXCUSE (save recieving poor service) to tip your server any less than 20%. This reflects POORLY on you as a businessman. (Case and point: I served a table of 7 who were there for a business dinner....gave them superb service....and was left $25 on a $200 check. Ridiculous.)

-Using gift cards/coupons: If you use a gift card or a coupon, you should be tipping at least 18% ON THE ORIGINAL AMOUNT BEFORE THE DISCOUNT WAS TAKEN. Do not tip on the remaining amount after the discount. This is not fair to the server because he/she was serving you for the full amount of the sale...not partially. It's just logic, people.

I hope this helps some of the general public know how to tip properly.