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☆ How my family of 4 spent $10,000 on a Caribbean cruise — and what we'll cut next time even though we had a blast
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-20 | by ( Jill Robbins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Read previewMy family of four – my husband, two teens, and myself – sailed on the Disney Fantasy this spring. Perhaps surprisingly, this is on par with the higher end of what a family can expect to spend on a seven-night Caribbean cruise: about $270 to $2,600 a person. I don't regret our WiFi or bingo budgetsWe bought an intermediate WiFi package for $490 and spent $152 on bingo. We don't usually spend money on WiFi while cruising, but decided to get a package since this was a longer sailing. We usually play at least one round of bingo and usually don't win much, but my kids enjoy it, and it's something we do as a family.

Persons: —, –, Jill Robbins, we'd, there's, We've Organizations: Service, Disney, Business, Disney Cruise Locations: Port Canaveral , Florida, Orlando ., Grand Cayman, Falmouth, Jamaica, Cozumel, Mexico, Disney's, Cay, Castaway

☆ House Ethics Committee expands Rep. Matt Gaetz sexual misconduct investigation
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-18 | by ( Dan Mangan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

The House Ethics Committee said Tuesday it has identified "additional allegations" against Rep. Matt Gaetz "that merit review," as it continues to investigate the Florida Republican over claims of what it called "sexual misconduct and illicit drug use." The Ethics Committee said it is now eyeing claims that Gaetz — who denies wrongdoing — "dispensed special privileges and favors to individuals with whom he had a personal relationship, and sought to obstruct government investigations of his conduct." The ethics panel also said it had difficulty in obtaining relevant information from Gaetz and others since the probe began in April 2021 amid a federal criminal sex trafficking investigation of Gaetz and a friend, Joel Greenberg. "During the course of its investigation, the Committee has also identified additional allegations that merit review," despite the difficulty of getting information from Gaetz, the Ethics Committee said. Gaetz's fate and the outcome of the ethics probe carry more weight now that Republicans have only a paper-thin majority in the House of Representatives.

Persons: Matt Gaetz, Kevin McCarthy, McCarthy's, Gaetz —, Joel Greenberg, Greenberg, Gaetz, McCarthy Organizations: Rep, U.S, Capitol, Florida Republican, Gaetz, Florida congressman, California Republican, Republicans, Representatives, GOP Locations: Washington, Florida, Gaetz, California

☆ House Ethics Committee continues investigating Matt Gaetz but closes some portions of its probe
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-18 | by ( Annie Grayer | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —The House Ethics Committee announced Tuesday that it will continue to investigate certain allegations surrounding Rep. Matt Gaetz, including whether the Florida Republican engaged in sexual misconduct, while ending other portions of the probe. In a rare statement updating its work, the bipartisan committee stated some of the allegations against Gaetz “merit continued review” and it has “also identified additional allegations” that warrant investigating. But McCarthy has repeatedly denounced those accusations and has said Gaetz worked to oust him because of the ethics probe. In late 2020, under Trump-appointed Attorney General Bill Barr, the Justice Department opened an investigation into allegations Gaetz may have had sexual contact with a minor. A source familiar with the House panel’s work previously told CNN that the Justice Department’s decision not to bring charges against Gaetz does not impact what the committee will and won’t investigate.

Persons: Matt Gaetz, Gaetz, “, ” Gaetz, Kevin McCarthy, McCarthy, Bill Barr, Joel Greenberg, Department’s, won’t Organizations: CNN, Florida Republican, Department of Justice, Gaetz, California Republican, Northwest Floridians, Trump, Justice Department, DOJ Locations: Florida, California

☆ 5 places where you should always tip—except for in these scenarios, according to etiquette experts
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-13 | by ( Ryan Ermey | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

"But at places like sit-down restaurants, hair salons, barber shops or getting food delivered, tipping is customary." Just 67% of adults in Bankrate's survey say they always tip at restaurants. "So if you're not tipping in those scenarios, you're really taking money out of the server's pocket." When it comes to those who cut your hair and deliver your food, you should just about always tip, etiquette experts say. In other words, if you asked for a service and out-and-out didn't receive it, you're OK reducing or withholding a tip, etiquette pros say.

Persons: they're, Ted Rossman, Thomas Farley, Mister Manners, Farley, Elaine Swann, Diane Gottsman, Gottsman Organizations: Swann School of, CNBC, Protocol, of Texas Locations: Bankrate, …

☆ A man born in Japan — where tipping is rude — is part of a growing number of Americans rejecting tipping in the US
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-13 | by ( Jane Ridley | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Still, back in the US, he recognized the argument that low-paid workers in the service industry have traditionally relied on tips to earn a living wage. Ozeki never ordered food for deliveryBut he said that recent increases in the minimum wage have changed the landscape — at least in certain states. AdvertisementIn California, for example, the minimum wage for fast-food workers rose by law this year from $16 to $20 an hour. "The current minimum wage at a fast food place is higher than my starting salary 15 years ago," Ozeki said. Have you seen your tips dip recently as a service industry worker?

Persons: —, Ken, Ted Rossman, Rossman, jridley@businessinsider.com Organizations: Service, Business, Franciscan Locations: Japan, California

☆ I bought my last Starbucks drink 4 years ago. I pay more for coffee now, but the benefits are worth it.
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-12 | by ( Rachel Chang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Constantly searching for new coffee shops has taught me how to better trust my instincts. AdvertisementMany independent coffee shops closed during or shortly after the height of the pandemic. Plus, at local coffee shops, I'm one of few customers instead of one of many in a long line. Sometimes, I still end up at coffee chains — but my self-imposed ban means I'll opt for smaller ones like Blank Street or Gregory's Coffee instead of mega-global franchises. It's just that by quitting, my coffee world has opened up beyond the limitations of one company — and forever hunting for a new coffee shop has become my ultimate pick-me-up.

Persons: —, Rachel Chang, I'd Organizations: Service, Starbucks Locations: Bali, Morocco, Barcelona, Buenos Aires, San Francisco

☆ Sick of 'tip creep'? 5 times it's OK not to tip, according to etiquette experts
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-07 | by ( Ryan Ermey | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

"So if you're not tipping in those scenarios, you're really taking money out of the server's pocket." Still, etiquette experts say there are situations where you may feel pressured to tip but are by no means required to. To be clear, the etiquette experts aren't saying to avoid tipping at the counter — merely that it's at your discretion. "It's a nice gesture to offer a tip to a worker who goes above and beyond the service," Swann says. "From an etiquette standpoint, we still tip the servers who are bringing us our food," he says.

Persons: It's, Ted Rossman, There's, Thomas Farley, Mister Manners, Elaine Swann, Swann, they've, Farley Organizations: Newark Airport, Swann School of Protocol . Service Locations: Bankrate, Denver

☆ Fat Brands and chair Andy Wiederhorn indicted in $47 million 'sham' loan scheme
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-10 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Federal authorities on Friday charged Fat Brands and its chair Andy Wiederhorn of committing a brazen scheme that netted him $47 million in bogus loans from the restaurant company that owns Fatburger, Johnny Rockets and Twin Peaks. Fat Brands, Wiederhorn and a few other people were criminally indicted by a federal grand jury in Los Angeles for wire fraud, tax evasion and other counts related to the alleged scheme. "These charges are unprecedented, unwarranted, unsubstantiated and unjust," Fat Brands counsel Brian Hennigan said in a statement. As chief executive of Fat Brands, Wiederhorn, 58, allegedly directed the company to loan its own funds to him, with no intention of ever paying the "sham" loans back, according to the indictment. He also did not report any of the so-called loans from Fat Brands as income, according to the indictment.

Persons: Andy Wiederhorn, Johnny, Brian Hennigan, Wiederhorn, overreach —, Nicola Hanna, Wiederhorn's, Thayer, Ron Roe, Rebecca Hershinger, William Amon Organizations: Brands, Johnny Rockets, U.S . Securities, Exchange Commission, Fat Brands, SEC, Fog, Wiederhorn Locations: Los Angeles, Oregon, U.S

☆ I make up to $2,700 in tips a week as a server. Dropping out of college was the best thing I could've done.
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-03 | by ( Jenny Powers | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Kyle Zajac, a 22-year-old server, earns thousands of tips weekly at an upscale steakhouse. Zajac dropped out of college to focus on a higher-paying server job and doesn't regret his choice. AdvertisementNow, I work as a server at an upscale steakhouse, and I bring home thousands in tips each week. During the year I worked there, I began applying for upscale server jobs. AdvertisementRecently, thanks to a convention, I took home $2,400 in tips in one week, and the week before I earned $1,800.

Persons: Kyle Zajac, Zajac, —, I've, I'd, I'm, they've Organizations: Service, US Department of Labor, Ford Locations: Indianapolis, Philippines, Europe

☆ Red Lobster is offering an endless lobster feast. What should you know?
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-21 | by ( John Towfighi | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

In celebration of its annual Lobsterfest, Red Lobster is giving 150 winners an “Endless Lobster Experience,” a two-hour complimentary feast of unlimited lobster, two sides and Cheddar Bay Biscuits. But the Endless Lobster Experience comes at a tumultuous time: Red Lobster reported a record $12.5 million operating loss in the fourth quarter of 2023. And in January, minority investor Thai Union Group announced its intent to exit Red Lobster, citing a $19 million loss from Red Lobster across the first nine months of 2023. Starting February 20 and while supplies last, 150 winners will have a chance to enjoy Red Lobster’s free feast. The chance to win the Endless Lobster Experience will be advertised through Red Lobster’s social media channels, including Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.

Persons: ”, headwinds, Thiraphong Chansiri, Ludovic Garnier, Chansiri, “ We’re, Lobsterfest, you’ll, “ I’m Organizations: CNN, Cheddar Bay Biscuits, Thai Union Group, Thai Union, Red Lobster, Facebook Locations: Cheddar, Florida, Maine

☆ Unlimited drink packages on cruises aren't always a great deal. After 50+ voyages, I know better than to buy them.
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-21 | by ( Amanda Adler | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Usually, if one person buys a drink package, everyone else in their stateroom has to as well. Plus, the package's listed price typically doesn't include gratuity. Amanda AdlerCruise lines don't want a passenger to pay for an unlimited drink package and use it to order beverages for all the other members of their party, so some take an all-or-nothing approach. Doing the math using the discounted package prices, the three bundles would add over $1,000 (plus gratuities) to the cost of our seven-night sail. I opted not to purchase any drink packages.

Persons: Amanda Adler, aren't Organizations: Royal Locations: Royal Caribbean, Caribbean

☆ A bride-to-be said she 'froze' after she was prompted to tip while purchasing her wedding dress
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-17 | by ( Geoff Weiss | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

In a TikTok video with 520,000 views last month, 30-year-old bride-to-be Ina Josipovic said she was asked for a gratuity while purchasing her wedding dress. This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. On December 27, Josipovic shared that after finding her dream dress, the cashier flipped around an iPad at the checkout counter, whereupon the screen requested a tip. Instead, she opted to leave a custom tip of $50, she told Business Insider. "If you guys think your stylist deserves a tip," she asked in her TikTok video, "why don't you just give her commission?"

Persons: —, Ina Josipovic, Josipovic, who'd, she'd Organizations: Service, Business Locations: America

☆ Why Congress gave $174,000 to Dianne Feinstein's wealthy daughter as part of a recent bill to avert a government shutdown
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-28 | by ( Bryan Metzger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

It's a tradition known as a "death gratuity" that's been in place for at least 140 years. They were also handing over $174,000 to Katherine Feinstein, the daughter of the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein. But Katherine Feinstein, a former judge in San Francisco and the only child of the recently-deceased California Democrat, almost certainly does not need that money. AdvertisementIn 2021, NTUF calculated that gratuity payments have cost taxpayers more than $5.1 million since 2000. AdvertisementBusiness Insider reached out to Katherine Feinstein via her lawyers but did not receive a response.

Persons: Dianne Feinstein's, It's, that's, —, Katherine Feinstein, Sen, Dianne Feinstein, Joe Biden, Katherine Anne Feinstein, Katherine —, National Taxpayers Union Foundation —, Alfred Lay, Republican Sen, John McCain of, Democratic Sen, Ted Kennedy of Massachusetts, Richard Shelby, Feinstein, Frank Lautenberg, Bill Posey, Posey Organizations: Service, Treasury, State of, California Democrat, National Taxpayers Union Foundation, Rep, Missouri Democrat, Republican, Democratic, ABC News Locations: State, State of California, San Francisco, California, —, Missouri, John McCain of Arizona, New Jersey, Florida

☆ Some DoorDash drivers are slamming a new feature that pressures customers to tip
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-13 | by ( Nancy Luna | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Last week, DoorDash warned customers that no-tip orders might result in slower food deliveries. Some Dashers, or drivers, said the new prompt was another example of DoorDash asking customers to subsidize driver pay. AdvertisementAdvertisementDoorDash is warning customers who don't tip with a prompt that tells them orders might be slower. Many people said DoorDash, not customers, should pay drivers better wages. In June, DoorDash started sending tip "nudges" to customers, reminding them that they could increase tips for 30 days after a delivery.

Persons: DoorDash, Sergio Avedian, Guy, —, Zach Snider, Snider, Dashers, he's, Meredith Sandland, Sandland, Carl Orsbourn, Kim'ssidemoneyplans Organizations: Service, YouTube Locations: Los Angeles, Washington, Jersey, Orange County , California

☆ Most Americans don't tip baristas. These services have the stingiest customers.
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-09 | by ( Juliana Kaplan | Jacob Zinkula | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

But while many Americans are tipping at sit-down restaurants, most aren't tipping at coffee shops. Even at sit-down restaurants, the majority of Americans are tipping 15% or less. So where are Americans tipping? AdvertisementAdvertisementEven at sit-down restaurants, most Americans — 57% — are tipping 15% or less, per Pew. Even that varies by age, with 61% of adults who are 65 and older saying they'd tip 15% or under.

Persons: —, it's, they've, It's, Pew Organizations: Service, Pew Research

☆ DoorDash will start surveilling delivery workers' driving with an app that tracks how hard they are braking and accelerating
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-03 | by ( Alex Bitter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

A new feature on the DoorDash app tracks how often its workers break or accelerate suddenly. The information will be available to dashers through "Driving Insights," the company said Friday. DoorDash said the feature uses the same location data from workers' phones that it already uses for features like navigation. DoorDash has been testing Driving Insights since July in Phoenix and Salt Lake City. The app assigns each driver a score and penalizes them for hard stops, quick acceleration, speeding, and other driving issues.

Persons: It's, —, DoorDash, Dashers, Austin Haugen, Haugen, haven't Organizations: Service, Amazon, Apple Locations: Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Atlanta , Houston, Dallas, Detroit, Cleveland, Miami, Charlotte, Palm Beach

☆ DoorDash will start tracking delivery workers' sudden stops and accelerations
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-03 | by ( Alex Bitter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

A new feature on the DoorDash app tracks how often its workers break or accelerate suddenly. The information will be available to dashers through "Driving Insights," the company said Friday. DoorDash said the feature uses the same location data from workers' phones that it already uses for features like navigation. DoorDash has been testing Driving Insights since July in Phoenix and Salt Lake City. AdvertisementAdvertisementThe features are meant to improve safety for DoorDash workers, Austin Haugen, Vice President of Dasher Product, said in the company's statement announcing the feature changes.

☆ The 10 U.S. states where Americans leave the best—and worst—tips
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-25 | by ( Annie Probert | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

But a new survey by USA Today Blueprint and OnePoll finds that some states are more generous than others when it comes to leaving a gratuity. The survey asked 5,000 Americans — 100 people per state — about their tipping behavior in situations like restaurants, food delivery, personal care and services rendered. California residents tended to leave the largest gratuity, with an average tip percentage of 22.69%. Overall, average tip percentage in the U.S. comes out to 17.94%. Here are the 10 most generous states when it comes to tipping, according to USA Today Blueprint and OnePoll.

Persons: LendingTree Organizations: USA Locations: California, Missouri, U.S

☆ Diners who let their kids run wild are being charged extra at a Georgia restaurant – and people have views
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-25 | by ( Grace Dean | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

A restaurant in Georgia makes diners pay a surcharge if they're "unable to parent." AdvertisementAdvertisementA Georgia restaurant that charges diners a fee if their kids don't behave well is sparking debate online. A Reddit user posted a photo of the menu alongside the caption: "This restaurant charges you extra for bad parenting." AdvertisementAdvertisementRestaurant surcharges are being increasingly scrutinized by diners, who question why they're being asked to pay extra for things that should be incorporated into menu prices. Some restaurants add extra security charges, contributions towards staff's health insurance, card fees, or vague charges like "administrative fees."

Persons: —, they'll, didn't, commenter, they're Organizations: Service, Google, Burger King, Walmart Locations: Georgia, Atlanta, Burger

☆ Should you tip on restaurant takeout? Or a coffee order? We're being asked for tips more often — here's when it's OK to decline.
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-16 | by ( Sarah Jackson | Lakshmi Varanasi | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Is it OK to simply not tip in some cases — even when you're asked to? You can skip the tip at self-checkout kiosks ...We know to tip for service we receive, but what if we're providing the service ourselves? Lynn also skips the tip on takeout — and even in counter-service situations, like getting a coffee and a pastry at a coffee shop. AdvertisementAdvertisementWhen the server handed Farley the final bill, though, he was hit with a prompt for another 20% tip by the card reader. "The service was not 40% service, the service was 20% service, but I was stuck into paying 40%," Farley said.

Persons: they're, Michael Lynn, Thomas Farley, Mister Manners, Farley, Lynn, it's, you've, Avery Johnson, gratuity Farley, I've Organizations: Service, Cornell University School of Hotel Administration, The Southern Academy of Locations: Wall, Silicon, New York

☆ Cava and Sweetgreen see delivery orders fall as customers pick up their own food
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-16 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Delivery orders are typically more expensive, thanks to added fees and tips for delivery drivers. But delivery orders have also become an important contributor to restaurants' revenue because customers' receipt totals are higher. Cava's second-quarter sales growth wasn't hurt by softening delivery sales, but the Mediterranean chain's full-year forecast was cautious. After same-store sales growth of 28.4% for the first quarter and 18.2% for the second quarter, Cava is anticipating same-store sales growth of just 13% to 15% for the full year. Uber said its second-quarter delivery sales rose 14%, while DoorDash's total orders climbed 25%.

Persons: Sweetgreen, Mitch Reback, Cava, Tricia Tolivar, didn't, Uber Locations: Cava, North America

☆ Redditors in LA are compiling a list of restaurants that ask customers to pay extra fees as diners grow increasingly frustrated with added charges
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-14 | by ( Grace Dean | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Redditors are compiling a list of Los Angeles restaurants that charge diners extra fees on their checks. The additional costs include security charges, service charges, card fees, and "administrative fees." Redditors have begun compiling a list of restaurants in Los Angeles that charge diners additional fees on their checks. The Google Sheets document, which started in r/LosAngeles, has more than 200 entries, with fees including corkage charges, service charges, and credit card fees. Some are a bit more vague, described on their menus or websites as "administrative fees" or "restaurant fees."

Persons: it's, gratuities, Il Organizations: Google, Service, Oceanview Locations: Angeles, Wall, Silicon, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Hollywood, Venice, Century City, Encino, Manhattan Beach, Lake, Perch, Downtown Los Angeles, Korean, Alhambra

☆ Tipping 'nudges' are now popping up on DoorDash. If you don't leave a gratuity, you'll hear about it.
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-13 | by ( Nancy Luna | Alex Bitter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Some delivery workers have tried to increase their gratuity by asking DoorDash customers for higher tips mid-delivery. As a result, the average food delivery tip has increased by 20% from 2020 to 2022, Uber Eats told Insider. With tips and base pay, DoorDash said on average, Dashers make $25 per hour on active deliveries. Many gig delivery workers make below minimum wage and say their earnings have fallen since the height of the pandemicA 2020 study found many gig delivery workers are struggling to make minimum wage. The survey of gig workers from the Economic Policy Institute found that about 14% of gig workers made less than the federal minimum wage, and 29% earned less than their state's minimum wage.

Persons: DoorDash, Austin Haugen, Shroff, Heather Taylor, Dashers, DoorDash's, Instacart, Uber, Carsten Koall, Sergio Avedian, Guy Organizations: Service, Starbucks, Consumers, Base, Economic Policy Institute Locations: Wall, Silicon, Corpus Christi , Texas, Los Angeles

☆ 3 places people say they never tip amid 'tipflation': ‘It’s out of control’
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-27 | by ( Morgan Smith | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Many also feel added pressure to tip amid the rise of automatic tipping prompts on self-service kiosks and apps, NerdWallet's consumer budgeting report found. Amid the "tipflation" debate, where are consumers tipping the least, or skipping gratuity altogether? To find out, CNBC Make It asked three New Yorkers which services they never tip on — and what etiquette experts recommend in each scenario. If it's fast food or you're grabbing a pre-packaged item from a shelf, Farley says you don't need to tip. An etiquette expert's take: When you're paying for a taxi or rideshare, you're paying the price of convenience, and your tip should reflect that, says Farley.

Persons: Saad Kabir, Thomas Farley, Mister Manners, Farley, Haley Truchan Organizations: CNBC, New York City Public Schools Locations: U.S, New York, Manhattan

☆ Etiquette expert: The No. 1 place people still tip 20%—even though they don't have to
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-26 | by ( Megan Sauer | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

"Tipflation" could be blamed on tablets or the post-pandemic economy — but consumers seem to be giving in to the pressure and leaving more cash behind. Sure, most Americans report feeling negative about tipping, but service workers are earning exponentially more in gratuity than before the pandemic, according to payroll provider Gusto. From March 2020 to May 2023, hourly wages only rose 18%, compared with a 42% increase in tip earnings, the company found. Of the 300,000 small and medium-sized businesses included in the analysis, bar workers made more in tips than employees in other service industries. Kabir agreed, saying he tips upwards of 40% for particularly good bar service.

Persons: Saad Kabir, Haley Truchan, Kabir, Yonas Haile Organizations: New York City Public Schools, CNBC, Bar, Fidelity Investments Locations: Manhattan

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