Involuntary gratuity
The food tasted good, the service was good, the location was a bit cramped, prices were a bit high but not outrageous. When the bill came it said "18% gratuity is added for parties of 5 or more." and this was automatically included in the bill. I was planning on leaving a tip, and being told I don't have a choice is just insulting. The word gratuity is defined as: "something given voluntarily or beyond obligation usually for some service". If customers are charged for something against their will and by obligation, this is not voluntary and hence by definition is not a gratuity. This review would be one star if it wasn't for the good food and service. The management either needs to replace the word "gratuity" with "charge", or suggest giving an 18% gratuity, and trust that their customers are reasonable people rather than treating them like children.
By Shawn C.