Story perspectives

Restaurants Add 20% Auto-Gratuity for World Cup Diners

6/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

Restaurants in Kansas City, Atlanta and Philadelphia added an automatic 20% gratuity during the FIFA World Cup.
Industry groups say the policy protects tip-dependent servers and prevents confusion for foreign diners.
At McCarthy’s Pub on West 46th Street, waitstaff note many overseas guests are unfamiliar with U.S. tipping and often leave none.
Server Louise Daggett said some tables ran up nearly $700 in charges, worsening earnings loss from low tips.

1 of 1

Story summary

Restaurants in Kansas City, Atlanta and Philadelphia added an automatic 20% gratuity during the FIFA World Cup.
Industry groups say the policy protects tip-dependent servers and prevents confusion for foreign diners.
At McCarthy’s Pub on West 46th Street, waitstaff note many overseas guests are unfamiliar with U.S. tipping and often leave none.
Server Louise Daggett said some tables ran up nearly $700 in charges, worsening earnings loss from low tips.