SCLQ – Tipping

We've talked about how you should never tip with just a tract.

We've talked about how you should never tip with a tract that looks like a $10 bill.

We've talked about how working the Sunday lunch shift should be the best shift of the week, not the worst.

But there's a new tip theological dilemma I need some help with. We need to get a ruling on this. Here's my question:

Do you tip the guy who made your burrito?

Let's say you've just ordered a delicious burrito at Chipotle. You're walking down the line telling them all the ingredients you want on it. Yes, yes, guac is extra. I know. I know. Do I want to buy chips? Surely you jest! Pay for chips? That's the Mexican equivalent of paying for the little bread plate at an Italian restaurant. (Don't get any ideas Macaroni Grill.)

You get to the register to pay for your meal, at which point you'll carry it yourself back to your seat and … do you tip?

I am of two minds on this:

1. No, you don't tip.

If you tip the meal maker at Chipotle or Panera or another place where there aren't waiters and waitresses, you better start doing that at every restaurant you go to. Next time you eat at a sit-down restaurant, you better tip your waitress and then ask, "Can you please give this extra money to the person who most directly handled my entrée in the kitchen? Thanks."

2. Yes, you do tip.

People love tips, and it's a kind thing to do. It's not easy working at a restaurant. Always tip.

I am clearly torn. What say you?

Do you tip the burrito guy or gal?