shoguns in branson

eak3littlejohs · July 12, 2011, 03:26:26 PM

just wondered if any of u have tried this place n if so what do yall think bout it...i called them today n asked bout gratuity n the guy told me if u have 2 or more people n ur party they add a 17% gratuity...to me thats crazy

sanddunerider · July 12, 2011, 03:42:52 PM

u give me good service, good food, act like you care, keep my glass full.....I will glady tip 17-20%/

I do it all the time, BUT it should be my option... If the server isnt any good.... let em STARVE!!!!.................. LOL..

rubedugans · July 12, 2011, 05:20:31 PM

2 or more!!!! that is crazy, like many people will go solo! 17 is too much for an included tip. I would gladly tip 20% again, as sanddune said, if service is good. Nope not doing that one, no thanks! Plenty of other places in Branson to spend my money for assured good service.

Ozark Outlaw · July 12, 2011, 11:30:30 PM

I am open to trying new restaurants, and I have not eaten there yet. However, a forced gratuity just leaves a bad taste in my mouth, no pun intended.

okiebluegrass · July 13, 2011, 02:55:46 PM

I understand force gratuity if there are 20 people in your party, but two is ridiculous. I won't be going there.

Junior · July 13, 2011, 04:33:38 PM

Parties of six or eight or more, OK. Not two people. SDCFans, here is my call for a complete BOYCOTT of Shoguns/Branson!

sanddunerider · July 13, 2011, 05:09:57 PM

I'm in Junior.....;.. NO SHOGUNS!! NO SHOGUNS!! NO SHOGUNS!!

shavethewhales · July 13, 2011, 09:13:11 PM

You should probably pay them a visit before starting a boycott. The reason for the automatic gratuity probably has to do with how busy they are or some other factor. It might also have to do with how many people dine and then leave without giving a tip at all, even for good service. Branson doesn't always attract the nicest people

. I'd be surprised if this is the only restaurant in town that does this.

Ozark Outlaw · July 13, 2011, 10:27:42 PM

Perhaps I am old fashioned, but while serving a group at a single table I believe the waiter, or waitress should earn the tip. If the waiter delivers excellent service then I will pay an excellent tip.

I just do not believe in forced gratuities for smaller groups. If the waiter knows that they will get tipped regardless, what is the personal motivation for them to work diligently, and attentively?

A forced gratuity is much like a forced baggage fee the airlines are charging these days. Sure they have a low ticket price, but then they slap on a non negotiable baggage fee on top of it.

This is just my opinion only. I am sure others will differ. However, that is the great thing about choices. I can eat where I want.

sanddunerider · July 14, 2011, 01:36:59 PM

ozark your right on the "money"!!!! with that statement

DeweyBald · July 14, 2011, 03:06:23 PM

While I agree that a tip should depend on the type of service, Shogun is a little different setting. Yes, there may only be two of you, but you will be sitting at a table with 3 or 4 other couples. It may be set up as more of a convenience type thing since it is not a typical "sit down" restaurant but rather a Hibatchi. I've not visited the one in Branson, so I can't vouch for their service, but I've never received bad service at a Shogun anywhere.

Not to start an arguement because I totally agree that a tip amount should be left up to the patron. I think it is a bit forward of them to charge it for you.

thelarsonsix · July 14, 2011, 09:10:45 PM

Quote from: shavethewhales on July 13, 2011, 09:13:11 PM
You should probably pay them a visit before starting a boycott. The reason for the automatic gratuity probably has to do with how busy they are or some other factor. It might also have to do with how many people dine and then leave without giving a tip at all, even for good service. Branson doesn't always attract the nicest people . I'd be surprised if this is the only restaurant in town that does this.

No disrespect here Shave, but I've been to quite a few restaurants in Branson (but not all) and here at the lake and have never seen a 2 person forced gratuity. I also worked in restaurants for about 6 or 7 years and our policy (as was most of the restaurants around lake of the ozarks) was 8 or more was automatic 15%. I do understand that Shogun is a bit different in that you don't just get a table for two even if there's only two of you, so I guess that could be their reasoning. As for how busy they are, I don't see how that obliges me to leave an above average tip. I do agree that a visit should precede a boycott. So, who's willing to be the guinea pig?

rubedugans · July 14, 2011, 09:37:56 PM

We have between 7-10 Hibachi restaurants here in the St Louis area, and I probably eat at them 2-3 times a year. I have my favorites, and it is not something that is decided by the gratuity amount, or even the price, usually it is decided upon by the quality of the chefs. When you go to one of these restaurants, you get a show, and a meal. I like to be the one to decide how much I tip, and the hibachi or teppanyaki restaurants have many workers that, from my nearly 50 visits in my lifetime, have never been bad. Usually they earn more than the 17% from me.

Just the ones that I have frequented...I have found that:
The Shogun in St Louis has 18% for 8 or more.
Kobe Steakhouse has 18% for 6 or more
Kitaro Bistro of Japan has 18% for 6 or more

Granted it is not a group of 2...but I believe these chefs are highly skilled, not just fry cooks...and I think they earn every penny!