Tipping at Sonic....

[ckmommy]

I vowed since the time we moved to Texas that I would NOT go to Sonic. Not because I did not like it, but because I had not tried it and did not want to start going there all of the time. So 18 months later....a Sonic was built less that 1 mile from my house. Do you know what that means?? Yes, we have finally had our first Sonic experience! And yes of course I will be back-- it is the only fast food place around for 4 miles.

My question, should we be tipping our server (car hop)? I have no idea. Anyone out there who can help?????

 

[Desiree]

My thoughts are if people bring the food out to you, then yes, you should tip. (I do tip at Sonic).

 

[Yzma and Kronk]

I always do, because I was told they make less than minimum wage, or work for tips.

I love Sonic!

 

[SoonerKate]

Sonic carhops make minimum wage (or at least, they're supposed to. I did, when I worked there in high school.); tipping is up to you.

I only tip when it's a group carhopping to raise money for something. Football team, baseball team, choir, whatever.

 

[GoofItUp]

It usually depends on what I order. If I order a full meal, I'll usually tip, but if it's just a drink, then I normally don't.

Be sure and try the lemon-berry slush!

 

[browneyes]

I normally just get a drink there. If they want a 20 cent tip, I give it to them. I have had a carhop make their own tip out of my change (the tip was more than the drink ).

 

[monkeyboy]

What sonic?

 

[RickinNYC]

Man, I am as dumb as a box of rocks. When I was reading all of your responses, I was getting so confused. I kept thinking, what the heck are these people talking about? What does some fast food joint have to do with a drink? I don't get it.

And then I reread the title of the thread. I thought it was "Sipping a tonic"!

ROFL!

 

[KristaTX]

We definitely tip - usually all the change or maybe a dollar.

http://www.sonicdrivein.com/about/about.shtml

It's kind of like A&W used to be, if you know what that is. You drive up, park, and order from your car. The servers sometimes wear skates.

 

[GoofItUp]

And then I reread the title of the thread. I thought it was "Sipping a tonic"!

 

[browneyes]

Originally posted by RickinNYC
And then I reread the title of the thread. I thought it was "Sipping a tonic"!

ROFL!

I want whatever he's having.

 

[HappyMommy2]

I too wondered about tipping at Sonic, so once I called and asked a manager about it. He said, "Well, TECHNICALLY we're a non-tipping establishment, but..." and then he kind of laughed. I wasn't sure what to make of that so I just give a small tip every time. I tend to tip more if the carhop is on rollerskates!

 

[CBRorBust]

I usually only tip whatever coins I get. So if that equals 10 cents fine. If that equals 95 cents, fine.

They make $5 bucks an hour, I'm sorry...but add a quarter here and there, they make their money! Trust me, I had a ton of friends who made out like fat rats when they worked at sonic. Sometimes they would bring home $50 from a shift on top of what they made hourly!

What really gets me is when you charge your food to a credit card, and they ask you if you want to ADD the tip onto your total!?! No thank you, I was going to tip you cash, but since you asked me to tip you, your not getting anything now!

 

[ckmommy]

Thanks everyone! I did not tip when I was there. I get kind jittery at a new place like this. Weird I know, but after leaving I thought I may have been wrong for not leaving a tip. I think I will leave my coin change the next time we go!

RickinNYC--that is too funny!!

 

[Kermit]

I go through the drivethrough most of the time so that I don't have to worry about it.

 

[Beauty]

I always tip at Sonic, usually $.25-$.50 if we order drinks and $1.00 if we order meals.

I love Sonic.

 

[marlasmom]

Ialways tip at Sonic - at least $1.00 - usually for a small burger and a medium lime slush. They work hard and are very nice. Why stiff them?

 

[powellrj]

I will usually just leave my change. I have noticed that when I leave a tip, I will usually get a coupon back, but if I don't leave much of a tip I won't get a coupon. I just LOVE the cherry lime-aides!!!!