We’ve done lots of stories on the rising gas prices, but sometimes it’s hard to see the effects of the economic impact unless we put it in perspective.
Think about the servers at a restaurant for a moment. If they start out with a base pay of $2.13 and work 40 hours a week, they’ll make $85.20 for the week. That’s not much.
Then take out if they have to use a full tank of gas (we’ll assume 15 gallons) at yesterday’s price average of $3.53. That’s a cost of $52.95 for the week. That only leaves $32.25 for food (which is higher in cost now) and living costs.
Why didn’t we including tips in the amount of money being made? Because that interlocks with how many people are at the restaurant — and less customers are coming.
Maybe it’s the pain at the pump, the economic downturn, or just that folks don’t have the cash to “go out,” but it seems (to this often eating out writer) there just aren’t as many people at the local diner or the “world-class dining experiences” that might have more room on their reservation lists.
Since there is more cost, and less income, it’s no surprise that servers are one group especially hurt by the rising fuel cost…and by Turtle Tipping.
