Are you supposed to tip at the Pepper Market?

[PrincessJasmine08]

We ate at the Pepper Market one day for lunch on our last trip and the whole set-up really confused us. With the fact that someone seated you and brought your drinks it seemed like you should tip. But then there was the fact that a 10% charge was added to the bill which made it seem like you didn't need to tip. We did end up leaving a couple of dollars, but just wondering what the normal protocol at Pepper Market is.

 

[snowwite]

We ate at the Pepper Market one day for lunch on our last trip and the whole set-up really confused us. With the fact that someone seated you and brought your drinks it seemed like you should tip. But then there was the fact that a 10% charge was added to the bill which made it seem like you didn't need to tip. We did end up leaving a couple of dollars, but just wondering what the normal protocol at Pepper Market is.

When we went last Nov the mandatory gratuity had already been added. Since we had to get our own food I think it is a racket to have to pay someone to get my dinks. I refuse to leave anything more than they are already making me pay. As a rule I think you get lousy service when the tip is already included because the staff has no incentive to do a good job because they get paid either way.I think a tip is earned not owed. I tip according to service. I start at 20-25% and it goes down depending on how bad the service.

 

[bicker]

Since the meals at Pepper Market include the 10% service charge, guests are under no obligation to provide a separate gratuity. It's wonderful service that you get for that, and if you find it superlative, you are welcome to add more, if you wish, but don't feel compelled.

 

[CarolA]

I tip for service, something I have never had at PM. The 10% is a ripoff IMHO and is one of the reasons I know longer eat there.

 

[justplaingoofy]

How does this work on the dining plan? I know gratuities are included in the plan, but I just assumed that was only for table service meals...

anyone know what happens at Pepper Market and teh 10% service charge w/ dining plan?

 

[PrincessJasmine08]

Okay, thanks for the answers. We just went to Coronado Springs on our last trip to eat lunch and look around, but we are staying there in December so I wanted to make sure.

I found the Pepper Market to be very strange. The whole process seemed to go a lot slower than the CS locations at the other moderates because you have to wait for a table. I didn't like it, but it is my understanding that you can ask for your food to go and you won't have to pay the 10% charge. We will probably do this in December.

 

[Stitch1404]

We didn't tip when we went since we assumed that's what the 10% charge was.

 

[dancin Disney style]

.... but it is my understanding that you can ask for your food to go and you won't have to pay the 10% charge. We will probably do this in December.

You are correct, that if you get take out they don't add the 10% gratuity. We stayed there last year and ate at the PM almost every evening. Mainly because it was convienient. There are tables just out side the PM over looking Lago Dorado. If the weather is good it is a really pretty place to sit and have your meals. You get atmosphere and save a few dollars.

 

[shellybaxter]

Are the servers at PM paid a sub-minimum wage like servers at table service restaurants? That would make a difference to me about how much to tip

 

[Armandocme]

Has anyone heard if PM is back on the Dining Plan for 2007? The most recent brochure doesn't list PM as a CS location.

 

[dancin Disney style]

Are the servers at PM paid a sub-minimum wage like servers at table service restaurants? That would make a difference to me about how much to tip

I don't know what they are paid but I did not have a single experience that would have made me want to tip them.

 

[bicker]

Has anyone heard if PM is back on the Dining Plan for 2007? The most recent brochure doesn't list PM as a CS location.

I wouldn't expect to see any non-Disney eateries on the list for 2007 until November or December. Contracts probably don't need to be signed (or perhaps even considered) until November or even December.

 

[PortieOwner]

I have gotten nice service there and once even tipped extra. They have done more than bring drinks and refills and clean the table (you don't bus your own trays at PM). They have brought over a highchair and other chairs, and maybe even set up some crayons to keep the kid entertained.

Portie

 

[BlindTyldak]

Having stayed there twice, we've tipped extra about 1/3 of the time. If the waiter brought our drinks or only stopped by to grab an empty and refill it, then we left it at the 10%. we did have a few though who went out of their way to provide extra service (bringing extra napkins without being asked when we didn't realize how juicy a burger was, offering recommendations to their favorite meals, pointing out new offerings) and those we definitely left them something extra.

 

[jdtopgun71]

We ate at the Pepper Market one day for lunch on our last trip and the whole set-up really confused us. With the fact that someone seated you and brought your drinks it seemed like you should tip. But then there was the fact that a 10% charge was added to the bill which made it seem like you didn't need to tip. We did end up leaving a couple of dollars, but just wondering what the normal protocol at Pepper Market is.

We were on the dining plan and my understanding was that tips were included as part of the plan so we never did, but the question did come up because it was the only counter service we saw where people actually waited on you somewhat.

 

[cdntourguide]

I and my extended family have been dining at the Pepper market for years. The cashier will automatically add a 10percent gratuity to the total bill. I never felt that this amount was unwarranted. As for having a limited dessert selection: after eating the main menu items here, you do not have much room for dessert.
for anyone on the dining plan: the prime rib special alone is worth the visit to Pepper Market. The selection at this CS restaurant is outstanding; sure there are better places with better services, but for a Disney resort CS it is outstanding. (Certainly much better than any of the food courts at any resort: value, moderate or deluxe). Like other restaurants at WDW, some people like this place, some don't: but to not visit this eatery because of an automatic 10percent gratuity means that you will miss out on a good eating experience.