US here. we tip 20% around these parts out of respect and such.
@granger, i dont think its federal law for employers to make up the difference between minimum wage and server wages, but i do think its a state law in lots of states. source: family member works as a waitress
shifting the topic a
1. have your food cheap and tip or have your 'tip' built into the menu price
personally I would be fine with paying extra/regular price and have waiting/hosting staff to have set wages.
2. tipping encourages wait staff to be polite and courteous
being paid a set wage doesnt encourage wait staff to earn their tips at which point they become minimum wage drones
( i think this is kind of a bullshit reason but its a reason people state)
3. pooling tips/wait staff being forced to split tips with cooks/dishwashers
this really grinds my gears. some restaurants pool tips and divvy the cash out to cooks/dishwashers, usually 10-20% of tips, and then the rest is split between wait staff. this one really gets me and if you're in the US you should really try to tip cash or ask your waiter if they pool tips.
4. mandatory 'gratuity fee' on parties of 8 or more.
basically forced tipping if you have a large party