Thu Sep 26 15:00:49 UTC 2024: ## Birthday Dinner Turns Sour: Chicago Restaurant Faces Backlash Over Unexpected Charges
A group of friends celebrating a birthday at the upscale Chicago restaurant Maple & Ash were shocked by a slew of unexpected charges on their bill, including a per-slice cake-cutting fee and an employee benefit surcharge.
Shannon Garner, who documented the experience on TikTok, shared her frustration with the $1082.58 bill. Garner, and her friends were charged $5 per slice for a cake they brought themselves, as well as an additional $27.93 employee benefit charge, on top of the standard 20% service charge.
The incident sparked debate online, with many users questioning the legitimacy of the charges. While some argued that cake-cutting fees are common practice in restaurants, many were outraged by the per-slice fee and the employee benefit charge, which they felt was unclear.
Garner, however, praised the restaurant’s service and food, adding that “all of our sides started at $16, but each side dish had about 4 servings, so the price was equal to the portion size.”
In a statement, Maple Hospitality Group, the parent company of Maple & Ash, stated that they strive to be transparent about additional fees, with details available online and on their menu. They also confirmed that they inform guests of the cake-cutting fee in advance, which they claim is common practice in many restaurants.
Regarding the payment issue, the spokesperson stated that they typically accommodate multiple payment methods and will ensure this is clearly communicated moving forward.
While Garner admitted she would return to the restaurant, she suggested that the restaurant should proactively inform customers about extra charges to avoid any confusion. The incident highlights the growing trend of hidden fees in the restaurant industry, prompting calls for greater transparency and clarity.
First Piper 