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What Hawaii Food Industry Workers Say About Tipping

2024-11-29

In today's dining landscape, it's quite common to encounter tipping options at fast food restaurants and other over-the-counter spots. When you're ordering to go and getting ready to pay, a screen often pops up asking for a tip. Hawaii News Now decided to find out what customers at the Kuhio Food Hall in Waikiki think about this. Hank Ravestein said, "No, it doesn't matter (if it's takeout or sit down), I tip 15%." Ernest Lee, however, has a different view. He stated, "If I am standing ordering my meal and getting it to sit down, then typically, it's not tipped." Mike Palmer, a board member of the Hawaii Restaurant Association and the owner of the Kuhio Food Mall in Waikiki, explained that tipping depends on the situation. He said, "So I just tell people do what you are comfortable with — if you don't want to tip, don't tip, if you get great service and encourage that person behind the counter, you know they are working hard for their money." Palmer also added that while many are stuck with tipping based on percentages, there are other options, especially for over-the-counter service. "On almost every tipping system that has that option, people don't realize, they think they have to automatically put in 15 to 20, 25%, but there is usually an option on those screens like ours says you hit 'other,' you tip a custom amount — 50 cents, a dollar, whatever." He emphasized that a customer should not feel obligated to tip for mediocre or bad service. Instead, it should be based on the service provided. He further pointed out, "A lot of times, counter service people are not the highest compensated in the industry and I think personally, it's a great way to stimulate the economy by giving people an extra buck or two." For Andrew Thomas, a server at the food mall, getting a tip is always appreciated but not expected. He said, "I just expect people to know that if they want to go ahead and, it makes my day and I just give them my service, whether they tip or not." And that's a tip on tipping that is definitely something to think about.

Tipping Dilemmas and Options

At fast food and over-the-counter establishments in Hawaii, the issue of tipping has become a topic of discussion. As seen at the Kuhio Food Hall, customers like Hank Ravestein believe in tipping 15% regardless of whether it's takeout or dine-in. On the other hand, Ernest Lee has a more selective approach, only tipping when sitting down to enjoy the meal. Mike Palmer highlights the flexibility in tipping, stating that customers should do what they feel comfortable with. He also draws attention to the alternative of custom tipping, where customers can choose to tip an amount other than the standard percentages. This gives customers more control over their tipping decisions and allows them to show appreciation based on the service received. It's important to note that counter service people often receive lower compensation, and tipping can be a way to support them and stimulate the economy. Andrew Thomas's perspective emphasizes that while tips are appreciated, they should not be the sole expectation of service.Another aspect to consider is the impact of tipping on the overall dining experience. Tipping can add an extra layer of appreciation for good service, but it should not be a burden for customers. Palmer's advice to base tipping on the service provided encourages a more fair and reasonable approach. It allows customers to recognize and reward exceptional service while also being able to withhold tips when the service is lacking. This balance ensures that both customers and service providers have a positive interaction. In conclusion, tipping at fast food and over-the-counter establishments in Hawaii is a complex issue with various perspectives and options. By understanding these, customers can make more informed decisions and contribute to a better dining environment.

The High Plains Food Bank in Amarillo, Texas, is gearing up for an important initiative. With the holiday season approaching, the need for food donations becomes even more crucial. NewsChannel 10 is partnering with the Food Bank to make a significant impact.

Join Forces to Feed the Needy This Holiday Season

Partnership with NewsChannel 10

During the annual Together We Can Food Drive next week, the High Plains Food Bank and NewsChannel 10 will be stationed at the United Market Street located at 2530 S Georgia Street. Here, they will be gathering food donations from the public. This collaborative effort aims to provide much-needed sustenance to those in need during the holiday season. It's a time when the community comes together to show kindness and support. 2: The partnership between the Food Bank and NewsChannel 10 is a powerful one. By working together, they can raise awareness about the food shortage issue and encourage more people to get involved. NewsChannel 10's reach and influence will help spread the word about the Food Bank's mission and the importance of donating food.

Monetary Donations and Their Impact

Monetary donations play a vital role in the Food Bank's operations. As stated, one dollar can be turned into nine meals. This means that even a small monetary contribution can have a significant impact on the number of meals provided. During the holiday season, when the demand for food is high, every dollar counts. 2: By encouraging monetary donations, the Food Bank can expand its reach and provide more food to those in need. It allows them to purchase larger quantities of food and ensure that there is enough to meet the increasing demand. Monetary donations also provide flexibility in terms of the types of food that can be purchased, ensuring a diverse range of options for the recipients.

Nonperishable Items in Need

The Food Bank is specifically asking for nonperishable items such as canned foods, cereal, peanut butter, and water. These items are essential for providing sustenance to those facing food insecurity. 2: Canned foods are a convenient and long-lasting source of nutrition. They can be stored for long periods without spoiling and provide a quick and easy meal option. Cereal is another important item, especially for families with children. It offers a variety of flavors and provides essential nutrients. Peanut butter is a great source of protein and can be used in various ways, such as spreading on bread or adding to smoothies. Water is also crucial, especially during the colder months when people may be more dehydrated.

Donation Locations and More Information

You can contribute to the Together We Can Food Drive by visiting any United Supermarkets location in the Panhandle and donating any amount. This makes it convenient for people to get involved and make a difference. 2: In addition to physical donations, the High Plains Food Bank's website provides more information about their work and how you can support them. You can learn about their programs, initiatives, and the impact they are making in the community. By visiting their website, you can stay updated on the latest news and events related to the Food Bank.The Together We Can Food Drive will be held from Dec. 2 through Dec. 6, from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day. This gives everyone in the community ample time to drop off their donations and show their support.Copyright 2024 KFDA. All rights reserved.

Thanksgiving is a time of feasting and togetherness, but for many families, the leftovers often end up in the trash. National food waste nonprofit ReFED estimates that this Thanksgiving alone, more than 315 million pounds of food will be wasted. JD Hill, the founder of Recycled City, emphasizes the importance of meal prep as the best solution to combat food waste during the holidays. His food waste pick-up service collects scraps from 4,000 homes and 200 businesses across the Valley, transforming them into fertilizer for his Florence farm. The vegetables grown on the farm are then sold back to the compost customers.

Impact of Food Waste

As much as 40% of the food we produce nationwide goes uneaten, while millions of people struggle to find their next meal. Hill highlights the negative consequences of food waste, including leaving farms less fertile and costing people a significant amount of money. When food waste is sent to landfills, it doesn't break down due to the lack of oxygen, converting into methane gas that contributes to climate change. Methane gas has a potent warming effect and has a significant impact on the environment.

Composting Programs in Phoenix

Phoenix offers composting programs for those interested in learning more about proper composting. There are dos and don'ts to consider when composting at home. By understanding these guidelines, individuals can play a part in reducing food waste and its environmental impact. Click here and here for more information on Phoenix's composting programs.

Benefits of Composting

Composting not only helps reduce food waste but also has numerous benefits. It enriches the soil, making it more fertile for future crops. By using compost as fertilizer, farmers can reduce their reliance on chemical fertilizers and promote sustainable agriculture. Additionally, composting can be a cost-effective solution for households and businesses, as it reduces the need for purchasing commercial fertilizers. It also helps divert waste from landfills, reducing methane emissions and minimizing the environmental footprint.

Personal Responsibility

During the season of giving thanks, it is crucial for each of us to take personal responsibility for reducing food waste. This can start with simple steps such as planning meals more carefully and avoiding overproduction. By being mindful of our food consumption and finding ways to repurpose leftovers, we can make a significant difference in reducing food waste. Small changes in our daily habits can have a big impact on the environment and help ensure that no food goes to waste.