As a hostess at a very well-established, privately owned restaurant in my hometown, this is a topic I have found myself discussing quite often. Some may consider my opinion bias, but what I share with you is nothing short of the truth. Takeout orders, at least at our restaurant, are handled by the hostess 90% of the time. This includes full communication with the customer, taking the order, placing the order, communication with the kitchen/chefs, preparing the same dishes that servers are responsible for prepping (soups, salads, etc.), dealing with the check, and delivering the impeccable order to the customers hands, fresh, warm and without ANY error. While this is our responsibility, and frankly my favorite part of the job as is hands-on with food (my passion), it takes away from what can already be considered a hectic job. And so the question remains: Do you or don't you have to tip on takeout orders? Yes. Please DO. Whether you choose to dine in or outside of the restaurant, you are still requiring some form of personal service by one of the employees. 10% is totally appropriate and I can PROMISE you, greatly appreciated ... not to mention ALWAYS remembered. there's some food for thought.
