> I don't understand this. Why do you Americans tip for this? Isn't being seated, handed a menu, food brought to the table, and plates being cleared part of a waiter's job?

1. Because nobody you'd want waiting a table wants to be a waiter for minimum wage.

2. And because restaurants don't want to pay waiters more than minimum wage on slow nights.

Your options if you don't like this situation are:

1. A ~20% price hike in the cost of your food.

2. Significantly worse service.

3. Significantly limited hours.

Pick two.