Papa Chubby's, Charge for water??

[Petemag]

Meet some friends at Papa's Saturday evening. Our meals were good as was the service. When I take on the responsibility of being the DD I do not drink alcoholic beverages. Forgot my glasses so when I got my 82.00 bill I just paid it. Sunday morning I looked over my bill and noticed a charge for water and an iced tea. Called my friend and his wife had the iced tea we were charged for, ok no problem. I ordered a water, which was delivered. Shortly after the waiter voluntarily brought a pitcher(we did not ask for it) and said it would save him some trips, I thought OK forward thinking. Is this the norm now that establishments are charging for water? If so I believe they need to advise patrons that is their policy. To me it's not the amount of the charge, it's the idea of it. I have never to my knowledge been charged for a glass of water which is all I asked for, besides my meal of course. I'll have to re-think my next trip to Papa's even though my wife loves their long island iced tea's.

[bdlarkin]

Hate that. Coconuts and tap and grill does that but they pass it off as a donation to Wounded Warriors I think.

I think the cause is because restaurants (everywhere) have raised their soft drink prices so high ($2.75-3?) to offset menu prices that people have started drinking water instead of soft drinks. I know I don't pay for soft drinks for my kids anymore because of those higher prices.

[Saratoga Stamepe]

Speaking from a Restaurant Owner,,,,,
Some place that keep there prices low, do not have enough margin for providing you glass, water, ice , pitchers and ect for free,,,,,,

This is a simple change in culture:
* For of casual dining, charging for Water
* Many hotels are adding in a "Resort Fee" on your stay
* Airlines charge you for baggage now and food

10 years ago, nobody thought there would be more people buying water by the bottle that soft drinks.

[Petemag]

Speaking from a Restaurant Owner,,,,,
Some place that keep there prices low, do not have enough margin for providing you glass, water, ice , pitchers and ect for free,,,,,,

This is a simple change in culture:
* For of casual dining, charging for Water
* Many hotels are adding in a "Resort Fee" on your stay
* Airlines charge you for baggage now and food

10 years ago, nobody thought there would be more people buying water by the bottle that soft drinks.

Point well taken. As a business owner myself I can appreciate your position. I was surprised was the biggest thing. This is not a common practice that I am aware of at most eating establishments. I also believe there should be obvious attention, signs, being told by server, that a glass of tap water brought to your table will cost additional. It's my understanding that there is a cooler with water that I have the option of using vs. paying to have the water brought to my table. I was told that on this board. To be honest I would have chosen to have it delivered but at least I would have been forewarned. I have a business and charge a fee for use of DC/CC cards but I have that plastered all over informing of the fee. Just my feelings and opinion on the matter. Pete

[Curtiseddie]

I absolutely second the opinion that (unless you are requesting bottled) I would not expect water to be a charge. However, if there is a charge it should be addressed to the customer, as this is not a norm most people are accustomed to.

[bdlarkin]

Speaking from a Restaurant Owner,,,,,
10 years ago, nobody thought there would be more people buying water by the bottle that soft drinks.

Except we're not talking about bottled water. And that stat is for packaged sales, and the price of water is 1/4 the price of soft drinks.

If people aren't ordering enough drinks, then that's a signal that your drink prices are too high (or prepared improperly). If people aren't going to your restaurant, then that's a sign that something is wrong with the product (food, price, delivery, facility).

I know as restaurant owner you probably look at every glass of water served instead of another drink as a loss of a $7 drink or a $3 soda, but in reality its a price signal that a $3 soda is too expensive.

Might as well charge a cover to get into the restaurant (or a 2 drink minimum like a comedy club).

And if you are charging for something the price should be listed on the menu.

[Three Lock Box]

I think more and more folks are moving away from soda. It is getting expensive and well, according to my doctor is not good for you. She doesn't know I have far worse vices than soda!!! Tea is an alternative. I have found that most tea at a restaurant is cloudy or bitter and the cost is the same as soda. So that leaves alcohol and water. You can double your bill here really quick with just a few adult beverages. It hard to add that kind of cost to your bill when you know that just a few feet away on your boat these beverages are much cheaper. By default water is the best choice. I would not blame a restaurant for charging for it. As long as it is within reason.

[Wildcat]

After my daughter's 8 dollar virgin strawberry daquiri at CR's last year, this doesn't surprise me in the slightest.

There's a reason we tend to stick to places that are open all year.