We go to Benihana for friends’ birthdays. It’s kitschy but we love it and go several times a year. We were told yesterday they have now implemented a 20% service charge that does NOT go to the staff and is not considered gratuity. On top of that, they no longer allow tips on credit card purchases. This is going to cost the staff a LOT each day. When I asked to talk to the manager out of concern for the staff, and honestly the quality of service likely going down as a result, they did not come out but passed along the message “tell them to bring cash next time or go to an ATM”.
Absolutely ridiculous.