Sauced Sours on Service Charge

LIVERMORE - Patrons at popular Livermore BBQ restaurant Sauced were steamed about a decision to automatically add a 20 percent service charge to all bills. The outcry was immediate and vehement.

• Patrons Steamed about Sauced Service Charge

Burned by the outcry, Sauced is switching back to tipping. The restaurant announced in a written statement,

Many guests have expressed frustration and disappointment about the mandatory service fee and the Sauced family truly appreciates the candid feedback. We want our guests to know that we heard you, and value your constructive comments. We also want to thank all in the community that appreciated what we were trying (to) do. We will continue to offer benefits and 401K options (to) our valued employees going forward.

The switch to a service fee was made Dec. 28. The return to tipping is effective today, Jan. 25.