Restaurants have gotten so expensive……also recycling and phone apps (2 Viewers)

[General Malaise]

It is possible for vendors to do business in cash AND also pay taxes on those cash transactions. Maybe this guy didn't want to deal with the hassle of a credit card transaction?

And either way ... it's not your concern as the paying customer.

Why not?

As a consumer, aren’t you concerned if a business is behaving ethically?

And how do you do that exactly? Ask for tax returns before you do business with them? My only concern as a consumer is if I got the goods and/or services I bargained for.

What about buying suspected stolen goods? Same thing?

Can you give me an example of a stolen good I might be purchasing? Because the two examples we've thrown around in here - garage doors and now produce from a farmers' market - were not stolen.

Facebook marketplace and Craigslist is filled with stolen goods.

No argument but I'm not buying goods from either place.

 

[Terminalxylem]

Probably healthier. When I was in Europe 30 years ago, I noticed that portion sizes were smaller. Also healthier, since total calories alone predicts a poor lipid profile (see the twinkie diet). Vegan restaurants should be cheaper, but they aren't since the market size is small.

This is a biggie for me. And to me huge proponent of healthy heating for folks who are trying to diet and get fit. When I'm cranking on all cylinders I really watch the portions for dinners at home and restaurants.

We've tried to install this with our kids since they were little. Eat until you are full. Don't feel like you have to eat everything on your plate.

I still struggle with the idea of wasting food, but there’s an argument to take what you’re saying a step further: stop eating before you are full. This is especially true if you eat quickly, as satiety lags behind adequate caloric intake.

The Japanese suggest stopping at 80% full, in their expression hara hachi bu, based on a Confucian teaching. This may explain some of the extreme longevity seen in places like Okinawa. Animal studies show benefit from undereating, too.

 

[SoBeDad]

I still struggle with the idea of wasting food, but there’s an argument to take what you’re saying a step further: stop eating before you are full. This is especially true if you eat quickly, as satiety lags behind adequate caloric intake.

When my daughters friend challenged her on July 4th to eat as many free vegan hot dogs as possible at Dodger stadium, no time limit, she "only" did 7. She said that by eating slowly, instead of ravenously like Joey Chestnut, she felt full and couldn't eat more, as the food hit her stomach. Eating slowly, like in Europe, and mindfully, is one way to be satisfied with less. When I went to Europe many years ago, they weren't familiar with the concept of doggie bags.

 

[Steve Tasker]

How many of us are issuing 1099s for our yard guys, tree guys, pool guys, butlers or maids?

Just for the record, you don't need to issue 1099s to these people if it's a personal (i.e. not business-related) transaction. You do not have to issue a 1099 to, say, a tree contractor who comes over to your house once a year to trim the trees. If it's more than a strict contractor relationship, and you have significant control over the person's activity, and they're effectively a part-time or full-time employee of yours - they could be considered your household employee; you wouldn't need to issue them a 1099, instead you'd have to issue them a W-2.

The rest of your post was valid though.

 

[The Z Machine]

It is possible for vendors to do business in cash AND also pay taxes on those cash transactions. Maybe this guy didn't want to deal with the hassle of a credit card transaction?

And either way ... it's not your concern as the paying customer.

Why not?

As a consumer, aren’t you concerned if a business is behaving ethically?

And how do you do that exactly? Ask for tax returns before you do business with them? My only concern as a consumer is if I got the goods and/or services I bargained for.

What about buying suspected stolen goods? Same thing?

Can you give me an example of a stolen good I might be purchasing? Because the two examples we've thrown around in here - garage doors and now produce from a farmers' market - were not stolen.

Something off Craigslist.

As an example, back in 2005 I met a dude in a Vallejo supermarket parking lot to buy an iPod. I checked put the item, it was in good condition and for a decent price. When I looked at the info screen it said, Jenny's iPod. So I asked the guy, "who's Jenny?" and he said he didn't know any Jennys. So I finally put 2 and 2 together and figured it was a stolen item. Heck it still had music on it. I had to pass on that one.

So, when do you walk away from purchasing an item that might be stolen? What about potential grey market items or knock-off items?

 

[Joe Bryant]

Question for you @Terminalxylem : If you buy something at the local farmers market and pay $20 cash for it, on a scale of 1 (not at all concerned) to 10 (extremely concerned) how concerned are you that the farmer properly reports that sale to the IRS and pays his taxes on it?

I'm a 1 there.

 

[General Malaise]

It is possible for vendors to do business in cash AND also pay taxes on those cash transactions. Maybe this guy didn't want to deal with the hassle of a credit card transaction?

And either way ... it's not your concern as the paying customer.

Why not?

As a consumer, aren’t you concerned if a business is behaving ethically?

And how do you do that exactly? Ask for tax returns before you do business with them? My only concern as a consumer is if I got the goods and/or services I bargained for.

What about buying suspected stolen goods? Same thing?

Can you give me an example of a stolen good I might be purchasing? Because the two examples we've thrown around in here - garage doors and now produce from a farmers' market - were not stolen.

Something off Craigslist.

As an example, back in 2005 I met a dude in a Vallejo supermarket parking lot to buy an iPod. I checked put the item, it was in good condition and for a decent price. When I looked at the info screen it said, Jenny's iPod. So I asked the guy, "who's Jenny?" and he said he didn't know any Jennys. So I finally put 2 and 2 together and figured it was a stolen item. Heck it still had music on it. I had to pass on that one.

So, when do you walk away from purchasing an item that might be stolen? What about potential grey market items or knock-off items?

I stated up top just three posts above this one that I'm not buying things off Craigslist or Facebook marketplace. Craigslist is just a scammers paradise today.

 

[Terminalxylem]

Why not?

As a consumer, aren’t you concerned if a business is behaving ethically?

Because in the specific case discussed (@General Malaise 's garage-door guy), the customer is at best agnostic as to the vendor's intentions concerning taxes. I disagree that it's incumbent upon the customer to simply assume fraud. The customer -- in the specific situation that GM described -- has a legitimate level of remove from the relationship between the vendor and the relevant tax authorities.

If you had to guess, what percentage of transactions like that described by GM are taxed appropriately?

 

[Terminalxylem]

Question for you @Terminalxylem : If you buy something at the local farmers market and pay $20 cash for it, on a scale of 1 (not at all concerned) to 10 (extremely concerned) how concerned are you that the farmer properly reports that sale to the IRS and pays his taxes on it?

I'm a 1 there.

Small, low tech business with ancillary benefit to community, like the farmer’s market: 1.

Bigger transaction, with vendor accepting multiple methods of payment, where plausibility of a big cash discount for reasons other than “under the table” profit are unlikely: 4 or 5.

Of course you can’t always know, though you can do your best to gauge which scenario seems more likely.

It’s kinda like using (possibly) undocumented workers for goods and services - it’s easy to look the other way for personal gain, but pleading ignorance isn’t always the best answer imo.

 

[Terminalxylem]

It is possible for vendors to do business in cash AND also pay taxes on those cash transactions. Maybe this guy didn't want to deal with the hassle of a credit card transaction?

And either way ... it's not your concern as the paying customer.

Why not?

As a consumer, aren’t you concerned if a business is behaving ethically?

Do you report your taxes 100% truthfully or do you look for small loopholes to gain an advantage?

I try to report my taxes accurately, previously through an accountant, and more recently, via TurboTax.

And there is a big difference between deliberate tax evasion vs. exploiting ”loopholes” within tax law.

 

[Joe Bryant]

It’s kinda like using (possibly) undocumented workers for goods and services - it’s easy to look the other way for personal gain, but pleading ignorance isn’t always the best answer imo.

Thanks. If you have workers come to your house and do work for you, do you require each individual worker to show you documentation papers? Or do you "look the other way" for personal gain?

 

[Terminalxylem]

It’s kinda like using (possibly) undocumented workers for goods and services - it’s easy to look the other way for personal gain, but pleading ignorance isn’t always the best answer imo.

Thanks. If you have workers come to your house and do work for you, do you require each individual worker to show you documentation papers? Or do you "look the other way" for personal gain?

I’ve never asked for citizenship documentation, but do inquire about licensure/insurance on nearly all who work at my home. I’ve had a handyman and gardener whom I didn’t, though I chatted with them enough to get a good idea of their background.

My goal isn’t perfection, as I’m sure I’ve facilitated some shady business, but I disagree with others who believe the customer’s responsibility entails payment only.

 

[Terminalxylem]

As for the OP, wife and I went to Roy’s last evening for dinner. It’s a reasonably fancy restaurant.

We had two appetizers, entrees and desserts. She drank two glasses of wine, with “happy hour” pricing (one of the apps qualified, too). And I had a coupon for a free dessert.

The total, with tip: $210. That’s about double what it would’ve cost pre-pandemic.

 

[Doug B]

Why not?

As a consumer, aren’t you concerned if a business is behaving ethically?

Because in the specific case discussed (@General Malaise 's garage-door guy), the customer is at best agnostic as to the vendor's intentions concerning taxes. I disagree that it's incumbent upon the customer to simply assume fraud. The customer -- in the specific situation that GM described -- has a legitimate level of remove from the relationship between the vendor and the relevant tax authorities.

If you had to guess, what percentage of transactions like that described by GM are taxed appropriately?

IMHO, my personal opinion on the matter is not relevant. All I can do is assume one way or the other.

 

[Dezbelief]

Our war for independence was financed by the black market.

 

[Terminalxylem]

Why not?

As a consumer, aren’t you concerned if a business is behaving ethically?

Because in the specific case discussed (@General Malaise 's garage-door guy), the customer is at best agnostic as to the vendor's intentions concerning taxes. I disagree that it's incumbent upon the customer to simply assume fraud. The customer -- in the specific situation that GM described -- has a legitimate level of remove from the relationship between the vendor and the relevant tax authorities.

If you had to guess, what percentage of transactions like that described by GM are taxed appropriately?

IMHO, my personal opinion on the matter is not relevant. All I can do is assume one way or the other.

OK. That’s essentially all I’m doing. I just assume more underhandedness than you, apparently.

 

[Phil Elliott]

Speaking of restaurants charging additional fees,
Restaurants fight additional $.99 processing fee by Toast

 

[stbugs]

It’s kinda like using (possibly) undocumented workers for goods and services - it’s easy to look the other way for personal gain, but pleading ignorance isn’t always the best answer imo.

Thanks. If you have workers come to your house and do work for you, do you require each individual worker to show you documentation papers? Or do you "look the other way" for personal gain?

I know you own your own company(ies), but it does grate on me a bit knowing that even that harmless vegetable stand doesn’t pay taxes on income. I don’t report anyone or think about it much at all but my wife and I have been W-2 folks since college so I know 100% of my income has been taxed properly and we’ve put a **** ton into the system. Tax rates are higher than they could be so it does cost me more than the personal gain I’d get.

Let’s put it this way and see what you think? If you were W-2, meaning your F150 you wrote off as Bryant Boats business equipment wasn’t tax deductible, would it piss you off seeing that farmer buy a nice lake house that you can’t afford because you pay tens of thousands of dollars in taxes every year that he or she doesnt?

 

[Drunken knight]

As for the OP, wife and I went to Roy’s last evening for dinner. It’s a reasonably fancy restaurant.

We had two appetizers, entrees and desserts. She drank two glasses of wine, with “happy hour” pricing (one of the apps qualified, too). And I had a coupon for a free dessert.

The total, with tip: $210. That’s about double what it would’ve cost pre-pandemic.

i was reviewing their menu recently and while it was a little high before.... it seems as if they disproportionately raised their prices. and i have loved them for decades

 

[Zow]

Just paid $25 for ramen from a restaurant. It was damn good, but when I got the bill it reminded me of this thread.

 

[stbugs]

Speaking of restaurants charging additional fees,
Restaurants fight additional $.99 processing fee by Toast

That seems very shady. They already take a portion of the CC fee and restaurants pay a monthly fee. Unless my contract had something in there that said you could collect a fee up front, I'd be pissed. This isn’t like a delivery site sitting on top of the google search results, this is putting in an online order via the restaurant’s web site. It would almost be like GoDaddy slapping a $.99 fee on an order because they host the web site.

 

[Joe Bryant]

but I disagree with others who believe the customer’s responsibility entails payment only.

But that's what we're talking about.

Let's go back to the workers providing goods and services at your home. You said, "It’s kinda like using (possibly) undocumented workers for goods and services - it’s easy to look the other way for personal gain, but pleading ignorance isn’t always the best answer IMO."

If the customer's responsibility entails more than payment only, what does the customer's responsibility entail? Asking about insurance?

 

[Uruk-Hai]

If I'm having construction done on my home, I ask for a COI, a bond, and a business license. For the cleaning service I hired last year, I went the one that was insured over the cheaper option. I didn't ask the guy who mows my lawn for the last 13 years for any documentation. At the local produce stand, I sometimes pay cash and sometimes CC. In none of these cases am I worried about how they handle their taxes.

 

[Joe Bryant]

I know you own your own company(ies), but it does grate on me a bit knowing that even that harmless vegetable stand doesn’t pay taxes on income. I don’t report anyone or think about it much at all but my wife and I have been W-2 folks since college so I know 100% of my income has been taxed properly and we’ve put a **** ton into the system. Tax rates are higher than they could be so it does cost me more than the personal gain I’d get.

Let’s put it this way and see what you think? If you were W-2, meaning your F150 you wrote off as Bryant Boats business equipment wasn’t tax deductible, would it piss you off seeing that farmer buy a nice lake house that you can’t afford because you pay tens of thousands of dollars in taxes every year that he or she doesnt?

I hear you. Some of that comes down to being ok with what you have. And not sweating too much if someone is getting a better deal. But I do understand the frustration that it would be nice if we were all on a level field. I see this lots of times in business when a company is doing something shady and making it easier for them to compete.

Here's an example. We pay $5,000 a year to the AP and about that much to USA Today to use licensed photos for player headshots and action photos for articles on the website. Lots and lots of sites just pull images off the internet and don't pay anything. Does that bother me? Maybe a little. But it is what it is. I can only worry about taking care of my business.

 

[Major]

I still struggle with the idea of wasting food, but there’s an argument to take what you’re saying a step further: stop eating before you are full. This is especially true if you eat quickly, as satiety lags behind adequate caloric intake.

When my daughters friend challenged her on July 4th to eat as many free vegan hot dogs as possible at Dodger stadium, no time limit, she "only" did 7. She said that by eating slowly, instead of ravenously like Joey Chestnut, she felt full and couldn't eat more, as the food hit her stomach. Eating slowly, like in Europe, and mindfully, is one way to be satisfied with less. When I went to Europe many years ago, they weren't familiar with the concept of doggie bags.

I notice in Europe most restaurants aren't trying to constantly turn tables either. They let you sit and enjoy your meal in peace. No subtle hints like giving you the check when it's time to finish up.

 

[stbugs]

I know you own your own company(ies), but it does grate on me a bit knowing that even that harmless vegetable stand doesn’t pay taxes on income. I don’t report anyone or think about it much at all but my wife and I have been W-2 folks since college so I know 100% of my income has been taxed properly and we’ve put a **** ton into the system. Tax rates are higher than they could be so it does cost me more than the personal gain I’d get.

Let’s put it this way and see what you think? If you were W-2, meaning your F150 you wrote off as Bryant Boats business equipment wasn’t tax deductible, would it piss you off seeing that farmer buy a nice lake house that you can’t afford because you pay tens of thousands of dollars in taxes every year that he or she doesnt?

I hear you. Some of that comes down to being ok with what you have. And not sweating too much if someone is getting a better deal. But I do understand the frustration that it would be nice if we were all on a level field. I see this lots of times in business when a company is doing something shady and making it easier for them to compete.

Here's an example. We pay $5,000 a year to the AP and about that much to USA Today to use licensed photos for player headshots and action photos for articles on the website. Lots and lots of sites just pull images off the internet and don't pay anything. Does that bother me? Maybe a little. But it is what it is. I can only worry about taking care of my business.

I hear you and it’s not something I even think about it until I see people getting paid in cash that you know don’t pay taxes. It was only reading this thread that made me think about it again and I will admit it does bother. The reason it does is solely that it’s illegal and all added up, it’s huge tax fraud. It’s especially bad because of our convoluted tax setup. If you can shave income off you are getting rid of your top tax bracket income. If it was a flat tax rate might not be so bad but it’s the same reason my wife and I max out the 401ks and the catch up contributions because that would get taxed at our highest bracket.

Also, I don’t want to tell you your business but if my competition was illegally using copyrighted material and not paying what you are paying, I’d have no qualms saying something. Taking care of your business does include beating out your competitors who are illegally lowering their costs to compete with you. The question is whether it’s an effective use of time.

 

[NutterButter]

TIL, costco started that $1.50 hot dog/soda combo back in 1985. They don't ask you to tip either.

 

[Sand]

Depends on the state. Plenty of states have a full or partial sales tax on groceries.

Looks like 8 states total. I've never lived in any of those states, so I was not aware. I've never paid taxes on groceries in my life, surprised any state does impose those taxes.

Seven now. Alabama just decided to phase this out.

Flying into Lihue next Friday. We'll hit up costco before checking into our condo

Kauai is awesome.

 

[General Malaise]

TIL, costco started that $1.50 hot dog/soda combo back in 1985. They don't ask you to tip either.

They also know they're selling them to folks that paid $60-$120 annually just for the luxury of spending $200-300 every time they enter the establishment.

And honestly, a hot dog and a fountain soda cost Costco far less than $1.50.

 

[Don Quixote]

Flying into Lihue next Friday. We'll hit up costco before checking into our condo

Just got back from Kauai. Stayed at a resort and were just there for a few days (a couple of weeks island hopping), but definitely would have done something like that to save some money on food if there longer. Even buying to-go stuff from off-resort was pretty expensive.

 

[General Malaise]

I think I could rob a bank with a hot dog and soda burp.....

 

[Mister CIA]

I think I could rob a bank with a hot dog and soda burp.....

Make sure to grab a 1099 on the way out the door.

 

[Cowboysfan8]

TIL, costco started that $1.50 hot dog/soda combo back in 1985. They don't ask you to tip either.

They also know they're selling them to folks that paid $60-$120 annually just for the luxury of spending $200-300 every time they enter the establishment.

And honestly, a hot dog and a fountain soda cost Costco far less than $1.50.

This lol

 

[Pip's Invitation]

I still struggle with the idea of wasting food, but there’s an argument to take what you’re saying a step further: stop eating before you are full. This is especially true if you eat quickly, as satiety lags behind adequate caloric intake.

When my daughters friend challenged her on July 4th to eat as many free vegan hot dogs as possible at Dodger stadium, no time limit, she "only" did 7. She said that by eating slowly, instead of ravenously like Joey Chestnut, she felt full and couldn't eat more, as the food hit her stomach. Eating slowly, like in Europe, and mindfully, is one way to be satisfied with less. When I went to Europe many years ago, they weren't familiar with the concept of doggie bags.

I notice in Europe most restaurants aren't trying to constantly turn tables either. They let you sit and enjoy your meal in peace. No subtle hints like giving you the check when it's time to finish up.

If anything it’s the opposite. When you want to leave it takes forever to get your check.

 

[General Malaise]

I still struggle with the idea of wasting food, but there’s an argument to take what you’re saying a step further: stop eating before you are full. This is especially true if you eat quickly, as satiety lags behind adequate caloric intake.

When my daughters friend challenged her on July 4th to eat as many free vegan hot dogs as possible at Dodger stadium, no time limit, she "only" did 7. She said that by eating slowly, instead of ravenously like Joey Chestnut, she felt full and couldn't eat more, as the food hit her stomach. Eating slowly, like in Europe, and mindfully, is one way to be satisfied with less. When I went to Europe many years ago, they weren't familiar with the concept of doggie bags.

I notice in Europe most restaurants aren't trying to constantly turn tables either. They let you sit and enjoy your meal in peace. No subtle hints like giving you the check when it's time to finish up.

If anything it’s the opposite. When you want to leave it takes forever to get your check.

First piece of advice I got as a server: you make or break your tip on the closeout.

 

[Terminalxylem]

but I disagree with others who believe the customer’s responsibility entails payment only.

But that's what we're talking about.

Let's go back to the workers providing goods and services at your home. You said, "It’s kinda like using (possibly) undocumented workers for goods and services - it’s easy to look the other way for personal gain, but pleading ignorance isn’t always the best answer IMO."

If the customer's responsibility entails more than payment only, what does the customer's responsibility entail? Asking about insurance?

There’s no single answer to that question, but personally, I like to research the products I buy and businesses/services I use, doing my best to ensure they are behaving ethically, while providing what I want at a fair price. That may include reviewing licensing, insurance, BBB status, customer reviews, and whatever else I can glean from the internet. This doesn’t apply to every purchase, but more often than not, and certainly big ticket items.

More times than not, my gestalt is cash only “deals” entail something shady, so I usually elect to use alternative payment. There are exceptions, of course, and it’s possible I’m too cynical about the process.

There’s a docu-series I like called Rotten, which details the sourcing of a variety of food products. If you watch it, you’ll probably conclude just about everything we eat involves criminal activity in its production. It’s a little disheartening tbh. But that doesn’t mean one can’t minimize the badness, realizing no business, or individual, is perfect.

While it’s easier just to look for the lower price, I believe the extra effort (and expense) is usually worth it.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

That is an interesting question @Terminalxylem on others paying taxes.

Let's put it in context.

If you buy vegetables at the local farmers market and pay $20 cash for them, on a scale of 1 (not at all concerned) to 10 (extremely concerned) how concerned are you that the farmer properly reports that sale to the IRS and pays his taxes on it?

I'm a 1 there.

0

 

[Doug B]

While it’s easier just to look for the lower price, I believe the extra effort (and expense) is usually worth it.

All right. Putting aside our prior "cash for services" discussion: People, in general, aren't typically going the "lowest price" route because it's easier.

Think about how you'd approach life if you lived check-to-check, had no savings or retirement, were late on mortgage and bills regularly, always had to scrape and negotiate and take/make uncomfortable phone calls and on and on just to get by day to day. If you were familiar with having utilities turned off. Of having vehicles repossessed. And you weren't living high on the hog or anything ... you were on the tightrope of the lower, lower, LOWER "middle class" with one slip sending you down into poverty.

What kinds of decisions might you make differently?

Nothing to feel bad about -- you earned your station. Just realize that not everyone is sharing that station with you.

 

[Major]

I still struggle with the idea of wasting food, but there’s an argument to take what you’re saying a step further: stop eating before you are full. This is especially true if you eat quickly, as satiety lags behind adequate caloric intake.

When my daughters friend challenged her on July 4th to eat as many free vegan hot dogs as possible at Dodger stadium, no time limit, she "only" did 7. She said that by eating slowly, instead of ravenously like Joey Chestnut, she felt full and couldn't eat more, as the food hit her stomach. Eating slowly, like in Europe, and mindfully, is one way to be satisfied with less. When I went to Europe many years ago, they weren't familiar with the concept of doggie bags.

I notice in Europe most restaurants aren't trying to constantly turn tables either. They let you sit and enjoy your meal in peace. No subtle hints like giving you the check when it's time to finish up.

If anything it’s the opposite. When you want to leave it takes forever to get your check.

First piece of advice I got as a server: you male or break your tip on the closeout.

I guess it makes sense. In Europe, the waitstaff doesn't have as much of a tip incentive.

 

[Senor Schmutzig]

Reading through this thread, I thought about a recent transaction we had in Rome last month. My wife, son, and I were walking around one day and decided to stop at the Grand Hotel Plaza to have a quick drink. It was a favorite place of our friend so we decided to stop in their lobby bar. The hotel is a pretty luxurious place and rooms go for $500+/night. I figured we would vastly overpay for a couple of Peroni's and by god, we did. They were listed on the cocktail menu as €15/each! Eh, when in Rome....we got them anyway.

After we consumed our €15 Peroni's, we were contemplating what to do next when the bartender/bar manager brought us two more (my wife was drinking a cappuccino, can't remember the price on that), dropped them on the table and said something in broken English akin to "I know these are very expensive so have these two on the house".

Definitely was NOT expecting that and it was certainly appreciated. Despite not being the norm to tip in Europe, we dropped a few extra Euro's on the table when we left.

 

[NutterButter]

TIL, costco started that $1.50 hot dog/soda combo back in 1985. They don't ask you to tip either.

They also know they're selling them to folks that paid $60-$120 annually just for the luxury of spending $200-300 every time they enter the establishment.

And honestly, a hot dog and a fountain soda cost Costco far less than $1.50.

Tell me a place where you can get it for that price? Do it? Heck, make it $2.50 just to include the additional $1 a week I pay for the membership. We won't even take into account all the membership benefits b/c that wouldn't be fair. I'll be waiting for your response at the food court eating a hot dog in your honor.

 

[Ilov80s]

TIL, costco started that $1.50 hot dog/soda combo back in 1985. They don't ask you to tip either.

Yeah but then you have to eat a hot dog and drink a pop. They should be paying you to do that.

 

[MAC_32]

TIL, costco started that $1.50 hot dog/soda combo back in 1985. They don't ask you to tip either.

Yeah but then you have to eat a hot dog and drink a pop. They should be paying you to do that.

The bread's junk, but I love me some Costco dogs. Sprinkle in some diced onions, maybe something pickle, then pick your flavor of mustard...doesn't get much better from grab-and-go standards. It helps that I have kids that'll happily suck down the garbage soda though.

 

[MAC_32]

I still struggle with the idea of wasting food, but there’s an argument to take what you’re saying a step further: stop eating before you are full. This is especially true if you eat quickly, as satiety lags behind adequate caloric intake.

When my daughters friend challenged her on July 4th to eat as many free vegan hot dogs as possible at Dodger stadium, no time limit, she "only" did 7. She said that by eating slowly, instead of ravenously like Joey Chestnut, she felt full and couldn't eat more, as the food hit her stomach. Eating slowly, like in Europe, and mindfully, is one way to be satisfied with less. When I went to Europe many years ago, they weren't familiar with the concept of doggie bags.

I notice in Europe most restaurants aren't trying to constantly turn tables either. They let you sit and enjoy your meal in peace. No subtle hints like giving you the check when it's time to finish up.

If anything it’s the opposite. When you want to leave it takes forever to get your check.

First piece of advice I got as a server: you male or break your tip on the closeout.

...really? Wasn't my experience. Sure, if you try to nudge someone out that's not ready to roll they may round down, but you'll more than make up for it with the group that replaces them at the table rather than having a table of squatters taking up space for an hour during rush.

 

[NutterButter]

TIL, costco started that $1.50 hot dog/soda combo back in 1985. They don't ask you to tip either.

Yeah but then you have to eat a hot dog and drink a pop. They should be paying you to do that.

The bread's junk, but I love me some Costco dogs. Sprinkle in some diced onions, maybe something pickle, then pick your flavor of mustard...doesn't get much better from grab-and-go standards. It helps that I have kids that'll happily suck down the garbage soda though.

I actually don't mind the bread. Its nice that they have it in a warmer and its got some sesame seeds on it. Better than your standard hot dog bun for sure, but I'd rather have a martins.

The hot dog itself is very solid and you're spot on with the diced onions with mustard combo topping.

 

[Capella]

They also know they're selling them to folks that paid $60-$120 annually

Sure but I get that back and way more with my 2%.

 

[the moops]

As for the OP, wife and I went to Roy’s last evening for dinner. It’s a reasonably fancy restaurant.

We had two appetizers, entrees and desserts. She drank two glasses of wine, with “happy hour” pricing (one of the apps qualified, too). And I had a coupon for a free dessert.

The total, with tip: $210. That’s about double what it would’ve cost pre-pandemic.

Just spitballing here

If I go to reasonable fancy restaurant I would expect to somewhat pay

Appetizers 12 -18 bucks each, $30
Entrees 22 - 40 bucks each, $62
Desserts 8 - 12 bucks each, $20, but with free dessert $10
Wine 9 - 15 bucks each, $24, happy hour probably $6 for a glass, so $12

That looks like $150 total, so yea $210 seems pricey

 

[FairWarning]

It is possible for vendors to do business in cash AND also pay taxes on those cash transactions. Maybe this guy didn't want to deal with the hassle of a credit card transaction?

And either way ... it's not your concern as the paying customer.

Why not?

As a consumer, aren’t you concerned if a business is behaving ethically?

And how do you do that exactly? Ask for tax returns before you do business with them? My only concern as a consumer is if I got the goods and/or services I bargained for.

What about buying suspected stolen goods? Same thing?

Can you give me an example of a stolen good I might be purchasing? Because the two examples we've thrown around in here - garage doors and now produce from a farmers' market - were not stolen.

Something off of eBay

 

[MAC_32]

As for the OP, wife and I went to Roy’s last evening for dinner. It’s a reasonably fancy restaurant.

We had two appetizers, entrees and desserts. She drank two glasses of wine, with “happy hour” pricing (one of the apps qualified, too). And I had a coupon for a free dessert.

The total, with tip: $210. That’s about double what it would’ve cost pre-pandemic.

Just spitballing here

If I go to reasonable fancy restaurant I would expect to somewhat pay

Appetizers 12 -18 bucks each, $30
Entrees 22 - 40 bucks each, $62
Desserts 8 - 12 bucks each, $20, but with free dessert $10
Wine 9 - 15 bucks each, $24, happy hour probably $6 for a glass, so $12

That looks like $150 total, so yea $210 seems pricey

I've never been to Hawaii, but am I mistaken to assume everything is rounded up 10-20%? And while unintentionally vague, 'reasonably fancy' rates are higher than that in this flyover city. Those prices are more like...Cheesecake Factory :ducks:

 

[Ron Swanson]

TIL, costco started that $1.50 hot dog/soda combo back in 1985. They don't ask you to tip either.

Costco just wrecked the hot dog stand in my town. Hard to compete in the ol' dog market against a loss leader at 1.50 with a soda. And they let you pay with a card. Not even a cash under the table deal. Back to Pollo Norteno for me I suppose.