What is a Staff Appreciation Fee?

Throughout my tenure as a restaurant owner, the welfare and development of my staff have always stood at the forefront of my priorities. I see it as more than a responsibility—it's a commitment to ensure the well-being and financial stability of our team members.

The current economic scenario, coupled with the unique challenges of the hospitality sector, has highlighted the hardships faced by some of our essential team members, particularly those who work behind the scenes.

To address this, we've instituted wage increases for our back-of-house staff and rolled out comprehensive benefits for all full-time personnel. Yet, it's evident that these measures, while significant, are not sufficient. Thus, we're introducing a discretionary 2% "Staff Appreciation" fee on all orders at Forgotten Tonic.

We considered the traditional approach of adjusting our menu prices to reflect the rising costs of labor. However, we opted for a distinct fee to ensure transparency. This method allows everyone—our valued guests and dedicated staff—to see the tangible benefits of this initiative. The fee is designed to support enhancements to our team's benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance, paternity leave, paid time off, and more, distinguishing it from a mere increase in menu pricing which could easily blend into overall business costs.

We're aware this strategy might seem unconventional and might prompt questions. We welcome any inquiries or discussions during your visit, and our managers are more than happy to provide clarity on this initiative.