A new trend I have noticed dining out is the rise of the kitchen fee. While the rationale for the fee is reasonable, its implementation is unfair and deceptive to consumers. With no method to opt-out, it is false advertising, meant to lure consumers into thinking they will spend less than they are.
Why It Matters
As the cost of running their establishment continues to grow, restauranteurs rightly need to increase their prices. Instead of being transparent about this, they are adding a note saying they will add a fixed percentage to your total bill. With no way to opt out of this fee, it is a hidden price increase and unfair and deceptive to consumers.