Business & Tech
Reviewers Stand With Wayne Hills Diner Regarding 'Kid Tax'
The diner has received significant criticism since a local mother spoke out against the diner charging groups of kids who come in a fee.
WAYNE, NJ — A few people are putting in a good word on behalf of the Wayne Hills Diner following revelations that it charges kids a special fee.
The diner charges kids in groups a special fee because, according to the diner, the kids do not leave tips for servers. Local parent Melissa Desch said the diner includes a gratuity on small purchases, like milkshakes, her daughter and friends have made.
Some users on the restaurant review site Yelp! have been defending the diner charging the tips.
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" My kids have been going in there with their friends for many years and never once has any of them ever complained about being charged a 'kid' gratuity. Please don't buy into these lies, Yelp! user Marianne E. posted Nov. 9. The diner charges all large parties, not just those comprised of kids, an 18 percent gratuity. "Just because one kid cried to her mommy about $.90 cents. In this case we're talking about 30 or more kids taking up several booths and ordering very small amounts of food with little or no tipping."
Others agreed.
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"I support this diner's decision 100 percent," said user Lauren S. "If you're going to give your kids money to eat out then you well better teach them about tipping. If not, then that's on you as a parent and it's low class."
A server previously said that she "sees nothing wrong" with the gratuity being added to the checks.
Peter Logos, one of the diner's owners, said the diner does not charge kids if they come in with their parents and is upfront about the practice and states on its menus that "management has the right to charge an 18 percent gratuity."
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Photo: A receipt from the Wayne Hills Diner on Friday showing the business charging a gratuity for small purchases./Courtesy of Melissa Desch
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