Tipping Managers at five star restaurants ?

Lauren · 08-23-2009, 11:10 AM

I think I posted this twice,sorry. I was just wondering if anyone tips a Manager or Materdee at an upscale restaurant. Does anyone know if th get tips from the pool at the end of the night?

jamesglewisf · 08-23-2009, 06:25 PM

You don't need to tip the manager or the maitre' d.

jamesglewisf · 08-23-2009, 06:27 PM

Don't sweat the double post. I deleted the other one.

cbudny · 12-15-2009, 11:26 AM

Hello; this seemed the most likely thread topic to address my question...
I routinely visit a great restaurant (though not priced high-end) in NYC; enough to be termed a "regular"... as a regular there, I routinely get seated at the restaurant's best table (there is one clearly identifiable table at this restaurant, which is "special".) I always receive excellent service each time I go, am often 'comped' an appetizer or drink, and I tip well on the total bill (factoring in the comped items which are not on the bill).
I would like to give a gift (tip?) to the maitre d' and service manager (both of whom I do not specifically tip throughout the year) since they are (in my view) a critical part of the overall experience that I and my guests have throughout the year. The holidays seem like the ideal time to do this... I realize a "gift" like this is by definition not really a tip, but as it will be cash, with a note card, it also feels tip-like... any thoughts? I'm working under the assumption that an unexpected gift is always nice to receive---but do I need to worry about violating some NYC etiquette or tipping tradition? Could it be inappropriate or tacky? Thank you in advance!

jamesglewisf · 12-15-2009, 11:42 AM

I don't think you need to worry about NYC etiquette or tipping tradition. It would not be inappropriate or tacky. It sounds like a great idea. I couldn't see where you were asking about amount, so I assume you have something in mind.

cbudny · 12-15-2009, 12:03 PM

Yes, I was thinking like, $50 each.

jamesglewisf · 12-15-2009, 01:51 PM

Sounds great!

cbudny · 12-15-2009, 02:01 PM

Thanks again for chiming in so quickly... I'm actually headed there tonite, so I will bring my 'gifts' with me!

08-23-2009, 11:10 AM	#1
Lauren Smart Feller Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 2	Tipping Managers at five star restaurants ? I think I posted this twice,sorry. I was just wondering if anyone tips a Manager or Materdee at an upscale restaurant. Does anyone know if th get tips from the pool at the end of the night?

08-23-2009, 06:25 PM	#2
jamesglewisf Doofus Maximus Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Texas Posts: 8,138	You don't need to tip the manager or the maitre' d. __________________ Jim Lewis - Admin Tipping Etiquette Dining Etiquette JamesGLewis.com iPhone Tip Guide Movies Without Nudity.com To BE or not to BE

08-23-2009, 06:27 PM	#3
jamesglewisf Doofus Maximus Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Texas Posts: 8,138	Don't sweat the double post. I deleted the other one. __________________ Jim Lewis - Admin Tipping Etiquette Dining Etiquette JamesGLewis.com iPhone Tip Guide Movies Without Nudity.com To BE or not to BE

12-15-2009, 11:26 AM	#4
cbudny Smart Feller Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 3	Holiday or annual gift/tip? Hello; this seemed the most likely thread topic to address my question... I routinely visit a great restaurant (though not priced high-end) in NYC; enough to be termed a "regular"... as a regular there, I routinely get seated at the restaurant's best table (there is one clearly identifiable table at this restaurant, which is "special".) I always receive excellent service each time I go, am often 'comped' an appetizer or drink, and I tip well on the total bill (factoring in the comped items which are not on the bill). I would like to give a gift (tip?) to the maitre d' and service manager (both of whom I do not specifically tip throughout the year) since they are (in my view) a critical part of the overall experience that I and my guests have throughout the year. The holidays seem like the ideal time to do this... I realize a "gift" like this is by definition not really a tip, but as it will be cash, with a note card, it also feels tip-like... any thoughts? I'm working under the assumption that an unexpected gift is always nice to receive---but do I need to worry about violating some NYC etiquette or tipping tradition? Could it be inappropriate or tacky? Thank you in advance!

12-15-2009, 11:42 AM	#5
jamesglewisf Doofus Maximus Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Texas Posts: 8,138	I don't think you need to worry about NYC etiquette or tipping tradition. It would not be inappropriate or tacky. It sounds like a great idea. I couldn't see where you were asking about amount, so I assume you have something in mind. __________________ Jim Lewis - Admin Tipping Etiquette Dining Etiquette JamesGLewis.com iPhone Tip Guide Movies Without Nudity.com To BE or not to BE

12-15-2009, 12:03 PM	#6
cbudny Smart Feller Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 3	Yes, I was thinking like, $50 each.

12-15-2009, 01:51 PM	#7
jamesglewisf Doofus Maximus Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Texas Posts: 8,138	Sounds great! __________________ Jim Lewis - Admin Tipping Etiquette Dining Etiquette JamesGLewis.com iPhone Tip Guide Movies Without Nudity.com To BE or not to BE

12-15-2009, 02:01 PM	#8
cbudny Smart Feller Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 3	Thanks again for chiming in so quickly... I'm actually headed there tonite, so I will bring my 'gifts' with me!