Outrage over mandatory 18% service charge at California restaurant – ‘an interesting way to lose customers’
- The rule at Pho Ha Noi is in bold black letters at the bottom of the receipt.
- But the surprise accusation – even for parties of one – sparked controversy
- READ MORE: Star-studded Los Angeles chain Jon & Vinny’s comes under fire for service charge that isn’t a tip
A California restaurant has sparked controversy after revealing that all its customers were charged a mandatory 18% service charge, even for one-person parties.
A guest who recently ate at Pho Ha Noi in Cupertino, California, spent $62.93 according to their receipt – with an additional $8.91 added due to required service fees.
The customer said: “I’ve seen restaurants include tipping when it’s a large party, but never for parties of 1! »
Many Reddit users expressed their disdain – despite the fee being listed at the bottom of the restaurant’s receipt in bold letters – with one even saying it was an “interesting way to waste money.” clients “.
The service charge was applied specifically to the Cupertino restaurant and may be different at the restaurant’s three other locations in California.
Pho Ha Noi is a small California restaurant chain that opened in San Jose, California in 2016.
Reddit users expressed their disdain for the 18% rule, even though the explanation was on the receipt – partially in bold letters.
Some took issue with the wording on the receipt.
One said: “For groups of 1 or more? What a convoluted way of saying everyone has to pay 18%.
“It seems like a general price increase of 18% would solve this problem without making everyone so angry,” replied another.
Others joked that they never go to that particular restaurant.
One of them said sarcastically: “Hello, I would like to reserve a table for 0 people Checkmate”
Another said: “If the service charge is not posted on the doors or on the menu, you can choose not to pay.
“This was not disclosed prior to purchase. I would just review the bill and not pay,” the user continued.
However, another eventually clarified the reason for the unexpected accusation – which he deemed reasonable, but poorly executed.
The user said: “I googled the location, it’s Yelp which has a sign on the door from November last year stating that the tip was for the business to increase his salary.
“Also, the sign says ‘an additional tip is appreciated but not expected’ and they will remove it if you are not satisfied.”
Reddit users had strong opinions on service fees
Pho Ha Noi first opened in the Vietnam Town mall in San Jose, California in 2016.
The small restaurant chain also has an outlet in Palo Alto. He also plans to open a location in Milpitas later this year and a location in Fremont by early 2024.
Not all customers have been dissatisfied, and many have posted positive reviews on Yelp.
One said: “I’m always full from a bowl of pho here. They also have lots of other Vietnamese dishes that I will come back to try.
The Pho Ha Noi restaurant chain is expected to open two more restaurants, in Milpatas and Fremont, by 2024, bringing a total of six restaurants in California.
“I LOVE Pho Ha Noi in San Jose, and I have to say this is my favorite Pho place in the area that made me want to know more,” said another customer.
One Yelp user who didn’t feel the same way said, “My friends have told me good things about this place, but it just didn’t quite live up to my expectations like I thought it would!
“I thought the photo was lacking in so many ways that I can’t describe, but the bottom line is I would go somewhere else in South Carolina if I were you,” another user said.
Many reviewers have also complained that restaurants can have long wait times during peak dinner times.