Canadians are upset after a chicken restaurant in Burnaby, British Columbia was accused of covering up the “no tip” option on their credit card payment screen, making it appear that tips were mandatory. A photo posted to Reddit showed black tape covering the option, with only “tip” and “thank you” visible. The person who shared the photo on Reddit claimed they had to bus their own table and pick up their own food without receiving service.
The restaurant, Chicken Plus, has been facing backlash on Yelp since 2022 for this practice. Customers have complained that the covered-up option could mislead them into tipping when it wasn’t necessary. The issue has reignited the debate over tipping, with many feeling that the practice has become excessive. Some have expressed a desire to boycott the restaurant or not tip out of spite.
When reached for comment, a representative for Chicken Plus declined to respond to the allegations. The viral photo has sparked discussions about the use of digital payment systems and how they may mislead customers into paying more. Experts have warned that suggested tipping percentages on these systems may not accurately reflect the actual amount being tipped.
While tipping in large amounts has traditionally been associated with American culture, it appears to be spreading to other countries. Paris and England have seen an increase in tipping practices, with some customers expressing frustration over the concept. The use of tipping as a mandatory practice has sparked controversy and debate about the expectations around tipping in different cultures and countries.
The situation at Chicken Plus highlights the issue of guilt-tipping and the potential manipulation of customers through payment systems. The restaurant’s attempt to cover up the “no tip” option has led to negative reviews and backlash online. The controversy has reignited discussions about tipping culture and the impact of digital payment systems on customer behavior. Customers are calling for transparency in tipping practices and for businesses to be held accountable for their actions.
