Just went to a resto fav of 20 years and saw 0 other guests between 5:30 and 6:30. I counted at least 19 3rd party orders, though, which come at an average 25% commission to the 3rd party and no tip for FOH. Restaurateurs worried about min wage are worried about the wrong thing

I know this is my latest chicken little shtick, but as these delivery companies either go out of business or raise rates even more to account for their unprofitability, restos are going to get screwed big time, and nobody seems to be prepared for this.

And they used to do a huge takeout business where they kept all the money, and many guests who knew restaurant economics tipped on their takeout when they came in. Owner told me that biz is GONE since 3rd party became a thing.

Long story short: if you care and if you can, order takeout directly from places you can walk to, and get delivery from places who have their own drivers. The restaurant rent apocalypse is nothing compared to the delivery apocalypse, and no one seems to be paying attention.

And I know this feels like an ask to most, but please consider tipping on your takeout. Making sure takeout orders are complete and assembling them is a front of house job most of the time - and it's hard work that takes time away from in-house tipping guests.

Also consider joining efforts to eliminate the tipped minimum, raise the minimum wage, and obviate the concept of tipping. Let's end discussions like this forever just by acting like most countries -- have restaurants build labor costs into pricing like every other industry.