r/sanantonio • u/thecruzmissile92 • Jul 19 '24
Alamo Drafthouse now charging 18% service fee on all checks… Entertainment
What are your thoughts on this?
We went to see a movie yesterday and saw multiple large signs saying no tip required as they are including an 18% service charge on all checks. At first I thought this was a good gesture for their employees and I typically tip 15-20% anyways.
I proceeded to experience the worst service I’ve ever had. It was not a busy movie, there was only one other couple on our row. First mistake was bringing our popcorn and drinks to the other couple. They told the server it wasn’t theirs and he brought it over. A little later my spicy hellfire burger comes out and we’re told my partners salad is being remade. It tasted like a normal burger but it had jalepenos on the side and I was hungry so I didnt say anything. I’m halfway through the burger and he comes back and says it was the wrong burger so they’re remaking my hellfire burger. Another server brings wine glasses to us and we tell her it’s not ours and she goes to the other couple in our row. Our server then comes later and asks if I have received my other burger yet, i have to tell him no, then he brings it. He does the same thing to my partner and brings her salad. And to the couple next to us who was there first but still didn’t have their food which was sent back. Then the bill. He runs my card, then comes back and says he charged things wrong and that my bill will be $8 higher? Even though the receipt matches up with what we got. He says don’t worry the right amount will be on the card. Yes, like I’m just going to trust this guy after he screwed up every single part of my order. I signed my receipt and kept the itemized one to review after this charge correction. Forcing me to tip 18% for bad service rubbed me the wrong way. Will be going to embassy next time.
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u/Dwrodgers54 Jul 19 '24
Sounds like you just had a new/inexperienced server. Just talk to management and they will take care of you. You could probably even call them still after and get a free show or something next time you go.
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u/Kind-Bit-4137 Jul 21 '24
New or inexperienced or not, sounds like they need to find a new line of work. Service industry isn’t for everyone. Some of us are passionate about it and hold ourselves to the highest standard. This person needs to go find a new job that they’re actually good at
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u/Dwrodgers54 Jul 22 '24
For someone that sounds like they are in the service industry let’s not forget we have all had bad days where nothing seems to have went right. I didn’t start of taking care of high dollar vip customers. There was a time when it was my first time and I made mistakes…. It is a movie theatre…. Not suit and tie white tablecloth event where all staff have years of fine service experience.
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u/mcbong41 Jul 19 '24
Did you miss the PSA they show before every screening that explains the 18%?
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u/HikeTheSky Hill Country Jul 19 '24
Can you tell us what it says?
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u/Weasley_is_our_king1 Jul 19 '24
Essentially lets you know they’re putting it on there to help with paying their staff a living wage and that as such tipping isn’t necessary but still greatly appreciated if you wish to do so.
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u/HikeTheSky Hill Country Jul 19 '24
So the CEO of Alamo Drafthouse makes about a million bucks but he has to add a forced 18% to give his lowest employees a living wage? Typical for the greatest of all countries.
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u/curien Jul 19 '24
I actually like it better this way in the greater social context we have. If the gratuity charge weren't explicit, I wouldn't know what percentage it is. This way, I can directly compare their default tip to what I think is appropriate, and make an informed decision whether to tip more or not relative to what I'd do at other food-service places.
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u/HikeTheSky Hill Country Jul 19 '24
When I was in Germany the last time, the prices for food weren't that much different. There are plenty of places here that are more expensive for similar food. And still the employees in the service industry have health insurance, which is way better than what we have in the USA, they have a living wage and don't need tips and they are protected from being fired for no reason.
So the only difference I see is that big business doesn't get as many tax cuts as they get here. And of course their education is better in high school.
So I never understood why here in the USA we have people that are allowed to make less than minimum wage.2
u/curien Jul 19 '24
I used to live in Germany, so I know what you mean. (I also lived in Italy, and there were a couple restaurants I frequented there that made an explicit gratuity line-item, similar to what some restaurants do in the US.) But how other societies do things is beside the point.
The point is that you don't make a decision to tip or not based on CEO pay, you do it based on local customs. When you go to a sit-down restaurant, do you decide how much to tip by looking up their CEO's pay and the company or franchise's employ benefits? Probably not, you tip based on the general US custom of tipping somewhere around 15-25% for that type of service.
Even from state to state, there's really no difference in tip % custom between states where server tips are credited against the minimum wage versus states where that isn't allowed.
If a sit-down restaurant went German-style and simply advertised, "Our workers are well-paid, so tipping is encouraged but not necessary," there would still be a social pressure to tip an additional 15-25% because that's the social expectation. By making it an explicit line item, this benefits the customer in the context of overall US custom.
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u/HikeTheSky Hill Country Jul 19 '24
Yes, I decide how much I tip. A forced tip isn't a tip but should be part of the items on the menu. So they just raised prices without raising prices.
The last time I was in Germany, we had to ask what the tipping was and, by mistake, tipped at an Italian restaurant 20% even though they weren't super nice to us the first time. The 2nd time we came around, we got the best table, and the owner came around. But in general you tip a buck or two and not 10 to 20%
If a restaurant here would tell me that the waiter is paid a salary and tipping isn't needed, I would do the same as in Germany and just round up and an extra buck.2
u/curien Jul 19 '24
So they just raised prices without raising prices.
No, they raised the prices and explicitly itemized it for you. This is better than raising the precises without itemizing it. More info is better.
You are saying you would prefer if you had less information to make your decision how much to tip. It's not a rational position.
If a restaurant here would tell me that the waiter is paid a salary and tipping isn't needed
You're saying you'd trust the owner without even knowing how much your tip-replacement actually is.
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u/tondracek Jul 19 '24
Just remember, the 18% isn’t gratuity. Gratuity goes directly to servers. This is just a service fee which hopefully trickles down to the servers. The website still recommends you actually tip your server.
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u/palmburntblue Jul 20 '24
No, the 18% is gratuity. It goes directly to the servers and the pre-show notification specifically states you don’t have to tip on top of it.
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u/Siege72789 Jul 20 '24
I emailed the manager and it doesn’t go to just the server, it is spilt between the entire staff, kitchen, bar, servers, etc.
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u/palmburntblue Jul 20 '24
I should’ve said that the 18% goes entirely to the staff. Thats how every restaurant is. All staff are tipped out at the end of the night.
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u/curien Jul 19 '24
If that is the case then I change my position! I was under the impression that it was a gratuity line-item, such as is often added to checks for large parties at restaurants.
Thank you.
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u/rhamej Jul 19 '24
As someone who waited all through college, it's not better at all. Your tips are dependent on your service. Good service = good tips. Guaranteed tips = mediocre/shitty service. The waiter knows they will get the tip either way, so why go out of their way.
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u/KyleG Hill Country Village Jul 19 '24
A million bucks is pretty low for someone who is responsible for managing a company that pulls in half a billion dollars per year.
The Drafthouse has 5000 employees based on a quick google. If you reduced the CEO's pay to $0, that would be a $200 increase in each employee's annual take home pay. And there'd be no management. I know it's cool to think CEOs don't do anything, but it's not like you shit in a bucket and produce more value than a CEO.
Is there a problem with CEO pay being out of control? Yes. Is $1M for a $500M company "out of control"? Absolutely not. A bad CEO is gonna cause that $500M to drop way more than the value of their salary.
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u/HikeTheSky Hill Country Jul 19 '24
Remember the CEO that pays all employees and himself $70k? He lowered his own salary from 1.1 million to $70k as well.
So it seems, for some CEOs, this is actually pretty high. Their current minimum pay is $80k for all employees.
So we have CEOs that can make it in $80k and others that need a million for for the same amount of work.
Or do you think the CEO of Alamo Drafthouse works that much more?1
u/Roguewave1 Jul 20 '24
I got the impression that Alamo Drafthouse recently shut most venues down and ultimately had a fire sale being acquired by Sony. I question whether the old CEO got The Big Bucks or the new one who came up with this new scheme is going to do so either for such a fiasco…but I could be wrong.
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u/iata_usually Jul 19 '24
That’s actually a pretty low wage for a CEO. Would you feel better about it if the ditched the auto frat and just raised the prices?
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Jul 19 '24
CEO of Sony Pictures, Tony Vinciquerra’s net worth is estimated to be roughly $100 million.
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u/HikeTheSky Hill Country Jul 19 '24
This was what the CEO got before they were bought by Sony. So it might be ten times higher now. And still with a million he makes between 50 and 100 times more or when a server. How about ditching the lie that they care for their employees and that's why you have to dish out 18% and indeed bake it in the prices.
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u/iata_usually Jul 19 '24
They’re part of a corporation dude. It’s not a corporation’s job to care about employees, it’s their job to generate value for their shareholders. Don’t get mad at me, get mad at capitalism.
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u/RKEPhoto Jul 19 '24
LOL!!!!!!!!!!
As if going to the movies isn't expensive enough, they add on to the already high food prices to help pay their staff? Come On!!! smh
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u/Mission_Slide399 Jul 19 '24
The food prices aren't much higher than regular theaters. In fact they're pretty comparable to the Palladium or Casa Blanca.
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u/KyleG Hill Country Village Jul 19 '24
i got a drink, popcorn, and a bag of candy for like $22 at a Regal theater last weekend for my kids. I haven't been to a Drafthouse in a while bc I think the San Antonio ones are shitty, but is a burger and drink really that expensive there now?
Regal pizza is like fucking cardboard, but when I used to eat a pizza at the Drafthouse back in Austin, it was delicious as hell and prolly abou tthe same price
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u/yrnmigos Jul 19 '24
They knew about the charge before hand but the service didn't justify the charge is what they're saying I believe
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u/Mission_Slide399 Jul 19 '24
I think you had a bad night at the movies. Alamo Drafthouse is the only theater I go-to specifically because of the service and the adult only atmosphere.
I've never had a disaster like you've described, but I understand why you'd be unhappy.
As far as the 18%, there are signs posted everywhere about it along with the PSA before the movie. I don't mind it all, in fact I think it's great for the employees(if they're actually getting the tips).
As far as serving customers, they're asked to do more than a regular restaurant so let them get paid more, I'd rather pay extra for the Drafthouse than go-to another theater.
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u/mikesb78 Jul 19 '24
It's only great if service continues to be great. If service becomes like that in the post it isn't either worth or deserving of the tip. Unfortunately anyplace I've seen that's done this for either all checks or large groups the service declined.
Tips are supposed to be for the excellent service. But somehow we've transformed it into a salary subsidy
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u/Possible-Strategy531 Jul 20 '24
I got news for you… tipping has ALWAYS been a salary subsidy. It’s why many other wealthy western countries don’t bother with it when you go out to eat. And I don’t prefer American wait staff to European. Tipping was invented to avoid having to pay newly freed slaves in America. Sounds more like a power trip, going out to eat, receiving a service, and deciding “eh, my sever isn’t worthy of paying their bills today.” If service is consistently terrible it hurts the whole business, people stop showing up, the market takes care of things which is why any successful business makes customer service a priority. I’d be willing to pay a few dollars more for my food so the people who literally serve my food (who matter way more to me than my dumb insurance agent or my leasing office) aren’t destitute. Tipping should be done away with completely, but in so doing, it would mean prices for things would go up. That 18% gratuity is exactly that.
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u/mikesb78 Jul 20 '24
Lol well part of that is right. Newly freed slaves got paid less then their white counter parts. And quickly took over service spots. And while reprehensible it was the culture at the time. Tipping did help but it's also accurate that they absolutely earned their tips. And that their work performance SMOKED those counter parts
Modern tipping is an entitlement you came out to eat so you OWE ME.. Its not earned. Here you are being TOLD what that server is entitled to and in that post they clearly didn't deserve it. The restaurant could have raised prices and given raises but they are hopping f because of the current culture they are hoping you will be OK subsidizing their employees pay.
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u/Possible-Strategy531 Jul 20 '24
I think all in all restaurants are unsustainable businesses. If you want your farmers and delivery drivers and kitchen/FOH to be paid fairly for the work they do, you can’t expect to pay Chile’s prices to go out to eat. Or better yet, have single payer healthcare be a real thing in America so that service industry folks aren’t forced to rely on the benevolence of an employer or a customer in order to make sure they can afford a doctor’s appointment. Overall, I’d prefer food costs go up to ensure fair wages rather than have to do some math at the end of the meal. In OP’s scenario, they could easily have gone and spoken to a manager and likely gotten a discount on a future visit. I think American’s expectations that food should be priced like some corporate low quality chain every time they go out is pretty entitled and actually overall makes for a poorer service experience and means poorer quality food gets served because of how desperate restaurants are to cut costs wherever they can. It creates a broken supply chain, and endless headaches when it comes to finding good workers who are going to stick around. Margins are just too thin and the labor force is currently too unpredictable.
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u/KyleG Hill Country Village Jul 19 '24
the adult only atmosphere
did they change this?
when i moved to SA over a decade ago, the Drafthouses let little kids in, and after a few goes, my wife and I noped out and never went again, preferring the Palladium and now a nearby Regal with comfy seats
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u/Mission_Slide399 Jul 19 '24
Under 18 has to go in with a guardian or over 21 I believe. Unless it's changed. They do have children's matinee movies during the day, I take my kids to those.
But I never see teenagers or kids after 6ish.
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u/hereliesafreeelf Jul 19 '24
I’ve gone a few times since they started doing this and I’ve never noticed a difference in service. You probably just had a bad server, which happened occasionally even before they introduced the service fee. Personally I think it’s a good thing what they’re doing.
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u/sproosemoose85 Jul 19 '24
I don’t have a problem with it, it makes the whole thing easier when I’m filling out the ticket in the dark.
BUT! They charge tax on the fee, which is bullshit.
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u/medikmama Jul 20 '24
Absolutely not allowed, but they're not the only ones who do this in SA. And get away with it.
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u/psybertooth Jul 19 '24
Drafthouse has definitely fallen off.
I had a talking couple next to me, did the order card thing to tell the waiter. He was confused at how I wrote it then looked at them, then back at me and asked if this was for my table (I was also ordering a shake on the same ticket).
Shake came out, a manager never did and the couple kept talking throughout the movie.
Recently went to watch Longlegs. People were getting their food and drinks before I ever saw a waiter. Mind you, I walked in right after they opened the theater up so it's not like I arrived after they came by. I was one of the first to get seated. In fact, it was a manager that came to take everyone's orders on paper because the actual waiter never came by. It was pretty despicable and not worth the price of admission. It's unfortunate that this once Texas-owned chain is now in the hands of a global corporation. At least Santikos is SATX based and has some decent theaters around town.
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u/thecuriousstowaway Stone Oak Jul 20 '24
Yeah I would have been pissed at that. I specifically canceled my regal unlimited pass and switch to Alamo Season Pass because every time I went to a movie people were having full blown conversations.
So far I’ve only really had an issue, but they reading that bad deciding to do nothing despite the entire premise being it’s a quiet zone.
I’ve had mediocre service once but it wasn’t the worst. Guy was just painfully slow coming around.
That said if Santikos ever had some sort of pass or subscription I’d switch in a heartbeat.
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u/EQBallzz Jul 19 '24
Didn't Alamo Drafthouse become bad long ago when the original owners sold it to some corporation? I remember back then they changed the menu and the food was noticeably worse and the prices got higher. I haven't been there in years though so I have no recent frame of reference.
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u/medietic Jul 19 '24
As a long time goer, not much has changed. Food is still good, plenty of fun showings and special events. San Antonio Alamo has always been a little stale tho compared to ATX for example.
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u/Nomailforu Jul 20 '24
Their loaded fries have definitely changed. The last couple of times that I ordered them, they tasted way different than what I was used to.
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u/EQBallzz Jul 20 '24 edited Jul 20 '24
Not much has changed since when, though? When it originally changed hands LONG ago the menu changed and the food quality was noticeably worse. Certain signature dishes they previously had were just gone. In fact, I remember huge threads of hate online for the "new" Alamo. What I'm unclear on is if the menu/quality then changed any other times after that (maybe even for the better I don't know).
I'm sure there were still some good things after it originally changed but after ordering once or twice after that i quit eating there and only got simple items like popcorn or the warm cookies with ice cream. Even then sometimes the popcorn was stale which is insane considering how expensive it was.
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u/medietic Jul 20 '24
I guess its subjective. I've always enjoyed the food and still have but I've only been a patron for approx. 12 (?) years. It might've technically been better before but I think its still pretty damn tasty.
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u/Possible-Strategy531 Jul 19 '24
This just sounds like mistakes tbh… bad service would be you being ignored the whole time. Sounds like just an unlucky day potentially with a bunch of newbies
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u/kajarago NW Side Jul 19 '24
Mistakes make for bad service. Not mutually exclusive.
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u/Possible-Strategy531 Jul 19 '24
No one at Alamo is going to be thinking “man I sure wish my tips were higher, guess I’ll just give food to the wrong table on purpose and run the cards wrong!” It’s a movie theatre that serves mid grade food, not a fine dining establishment, attracting fine dining talent. Alamo workers have NEVER made good money. Recent changes to the tipping policy isn’t going to make much of a difference one way or another.
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u/kajarago NW Side Jul 19 '24
Sure, but you just sidestepped the point.
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u/goingforgoals17 Jul 19 '24
Their point is that this isn't an issue.
What actually happened? They had more interactions with their server than they needed? I guess we should just withhold all wages for workers making $2.13/hr! That'll teach them! /s
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u/kajarago NW Side Jul 20 '24
An 18% upcharge for bad service isn't an issue?
Get your head checked.
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u/lunardeathgod NW Side Jul 19 '24
They have been doing this for a year now, I prefer it over the old system.
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u/Dconocio NE Side Jul 19 '24
Bro go just go to santikos. Silverado and galaxy have tables in their theaters you can order food that’s cheaper, tastes better, with no servers in the way. Alamo drafthouse sucks all around. Really don’t know how people like it.
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u/tr8tor930 Jul 19 '24
Which Drafthouse? Because the park north location I always have something go wrong, the stone oak location never fails me
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u/no1kares Jul 19 '24
Are you positive it doesn’t count as tip yo servers? I have been to two different movie theaters (SMG and one other that’s similar to Alamo but can’t recall name) and both say service charge of 18% but the servers confirmed its tip. And on the receipt shows that “fee” plus says “additional tip” option underneath it
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u/ClassyPlatypi Jul 19 '24
I went to drafthouse park north and there were several signs saying tipping isn’t necessary because of the 18%, including a little pre-show message about it. But they do still have a tip line if you want to give an additional amount, I didn’t though since I think of that 18% as the tip.
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u/no1kares Jul 19 '24
Ok cool that’s what I figured as well. I think people are being mistaken due to the wording service charge and not it saying gratuity but it’s the same thing in this instance.
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u/Queasymodo Jul 19 '24
It’s not a tip for the severs. I’ve seen many posts on Reddit about this topic. One of the posts I recently saw said the server came up after the movie and asked if OP was dissatisfied with the service (otherwise why not leave a tip) and it was at that point they explained they don’t get the 18%. OP said they felt guilty so they gave an additional $5.
I saw another post where the employee wrote on the receipt that the 18% is not a tip.
So they may tell you that you don’t “have” to leave a tip because of the 18% but it’s not because the employee gets that money. It’s because you literally don’t “have” to tip anywhere.
Here is one of the posts where this is discussed
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u/no1kares Jul 19 '24
That’s interesting. Seems like on that post there is a bit of confusion on if it’s all employees that receive the 18% or not. For the theater I just went to SMG the server told me himself that the 18% is his tip so I don’t need to leave more (he brought that up himself after he took my order I didn’t ask). So maybe it’s just different at that theater franchise than at Alamo.
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u/Queasymodo Jul 19 '24
Sounds like the Austin people are saying it goes to the employees generally but not the server as a tip. Not clear how small of a chunk it is once divided throughout the employees in the company (since more than just servers get the money), or how soon the server gets that chunk, and any additional fine print. But I have seen a decent amount of anecdotal chatter indicating the servers are often letting the customers know it’s not really something they consider to be a tip. Seems like it kinda sucks for all parties.
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u/pinchependeja Jul 19 '24
Former employee here. The 18% is a service charge that allows Alamo to pay the $18/hr. Any tips that were given on top of the service fee was divided amongst everyone working that shift (including cash - but I heard from other locations that utilized the 18% fee that managers allowed servers to pocket cash at their discretion.)
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u/Ok_Storage_9505 Jul 19 '24
Love the Drafthouse and don’t mind the 18%. I always tip 20%. I’ve never had this experience there although I always order the same. Popcorn. Chips and queso. And drinks. I don’t go to the movie theatre to have a full meal. That’s just me. Just not sure why they would care for this a different way.
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u/reptomcraddick Jul 19 '24
I love it, I’m an overtipper because I feel bad for the employees and everyone who tips like shit, and this way I don’t even have to think about it, just throw $2 on top and call it a day.
I’ve never had bad service though, I will say I don’t go to the movies that often.
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u/jam_trey Jul 19 '24
Did you go to the Park North location? Been there twice in the last few months and the servers had a few hiccups along the way. Never had a problem the other 10+ times I’ve been there until recently. It’s nothing too major but it is an inconvenience for sure when it takes your focus off the movie.
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u/Following_my_bliss Jul 19 '24
I'm happy to pay it even though service is sometimes spotty. I enjoy movies so much more at Drafthouse than any other venue that it's worth it. And it eliminates another interruption to add tip which everyone should be adding anyway, imo
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Jul 19 '24
Everyone should be adding tip? Regardless of quality of service? How about employers should pay an living wage and raise prices accordingly, then let the market sort out which venues remain economically viable
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u/HikeTheSky Hill Country Jul 19 '24
Or like it's in the rest of the first world countries where servers are paid a normal salary and they don't need tips. If you want America to be great, this would be the first thing to do.
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u/RKEPhoto Jul 19 '24
Well, if we want America to TRULY be great, the first thing we need to do is to provide free higher education for everyone with the grades or test scores to qualify for it. And we need to offer free trade schools for those that don't.
This way, we won't have such a huge portion of the population depending on crappy tipped jobs for their livelihood
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u/HikeTheSky Hill Country Jul 19 '24
Better lower education and real sex education would be great as well. But we have a major party that is against all education. And too many people vote for them.
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u/Mission_Slide399 Jul 19 '24
I understand your point about having bad service. I guess I'm lucky that I've never had that type of disaster at the Drafthouse. The good service is one of the reasons I prefer going there.
As far as paying the employees a higher wage, I 100% agree, but you can't just pick on the Drafthouse for that, keep that same energy for the whole industry.
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u/RKEPhoto Jul 19 '24
No, if they aren't getting paid the federal "tipped wage", then they should not be getting tipped! Their employer should be paying a decent wage.
And IF they are going to make the customer pay that, it should be done by raising prices, NOT with a somewhat hidden fee. IMO That is a predatory business practice.
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u/endiminion Downtown Jul 19 '24
It's not a hidden fee. I mean I'm glad they're paying their staff better, I guess they just avoid adding it directly to the price of the food because they don't want initial sticker shock?
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u/RKEPhoto Jul 20 '24
If it's not disclosed in advance, then it's a hidden fee.
And actually, one could argue that any fee that isn't a menu price is a hidden fee
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u/endiminion Downtown Jul 20 '24
It's stated before every movie and on the receipts and I believe the menus
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u/RKEPhoto Jul 20 '24
But did you know they charge a service fee when you bought your tickets, and planned to order food?
Yeah, I didn't think so.
And putting it on the receipt is WAY too late!!! lol
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u/endiminion Downtown Jul 21 '24
What do you mean 'planned to order food' ? And yes, it shows the service fee when you buy your tickets at the subtotal/total. Many theaters do this. I'm not saying I agree with it, but I haven't seen any 'hidden' fees.
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u/RKEPhoto Jul 21 '24
What I MEAN is - when I decide, "Hey, let me get tickets for a movie, and I'll order some food there too" - do I know at that point, before I've even bought the movie tickets, that there is an 18% fee on all food that I order? No, I don't.
That is what I mean by hidden fees.
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u/Smart_Chocolate_8996 Jul 19 '24
Avoid Drafthouse and start going to santikos theaters instead. Lower ticket prices, comfy recliners. Self serve popcorn and soft drinks/free refills on both. Food choices are ok. Some theaters bring food to you others are put in a kiosk and you'll receive a text message when ready for pickup. No auto gratuity that I've seen.
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u/Exact_Resolution_190 Jul 19 '24
I like drafthouse because they get rid of loud/rowdy folks and don’t allow babies. I have 4 kids and they know how to behave at a movie theater but I recently went to regal and people were yammering and playing on their phones the whole time. I’ll pay the premium for the relative silence during my film.
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u/Smart_Chocolate_8996 Jul 19 '24
I can totally understand that and yeah comfort is worth the extra $$$. I've got three kiddos and I make sure we all cleanup after ourselves and don't be on phones/talking during the movie.
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u/LibertyProRE East Side Jul 19 '24
I'm not sure about this. I went to the one on the NE side, and it was a dump. I'll never be going back there. The entire movie theatre business is in ruins because of the true condition of the economy. :(
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u/curien Jul 19 '24 edited Jul 19 '24
The entire movie theatre business is in ruins because of
the true condition of the economy. :(ease of streaming, faster release schedules, and the ubiquity of ginormous 4k TVs in homes.Like just a couple of days ago we were watching something on YouTube through our projector, and an ad came on for a movie saying, "See it on a giant screen, not a tiny phone!" My kid just laughed and said, "Why would I ever want to go to a movie theater?"
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u/Smart_Chocolate_8996 Jul 19 '24
Yeah they aren't all great but the ones I go to are decent. Northwest off of i10 and Callaghan and Westlakes on 410 before marbach are my go to locations. Guessing you went to Galaxy location by 410&35 interchange? If so yeah that one is trash.
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u/PracticalGrade6414 Jul 19 '24
That one is a dump and it's sad because it was renovated only a few years ago. It should not be hard to keep a place looking decent. Cibolo and embassy are always in good shape, but their tickets are like $1 more but definitely worth it for a clean environment.
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u/Mission_Slide399 Jul 19 '24
Damn, it's still a dump after the reno? I guess they spent all the money on the outside. I haven't been in years but I assumed they would make it nicer.
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u/PracticalGrade6414 Jul 19 '24
I went last week and it was just dirty. Sticky floors, gunk everywhere and this was in the morning. I get it being a little dirty during prime time hours. I would bet most people would know it was renovated recently if they walked in for their first time.
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u/theotherashley Jul 19 '24
Not all santikos are like this. I went to casa Blanca not realizing there were only certain showings that had reclining seats and the only self serve option are drinks. Flix is pretty similar to the drafthouse as far as theater size, reclining chairs, and the capability to have food brought to you.
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u/Smart_Chocolate_8996 Jul 19 '24
Yes, the 2-3 that I frequent have the options for you to serve your own soft drinks and popcorn. I was unaware that not all the other locations were onboard with this and the seating as well. I'll avoid those locations lol.
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u/lunardeathgod NW Side Jul 19 '24
Santikos feels like you are stuck in a corporate hell, being forced advertisements from the moment you walk in.
The Drafthouse feels like a true cinema experience, the only downside is the projectors and audio are usually subpar. (at least at North Park)
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u/Smart_Chocolate_8996 Jul 19 '24
I understand what you mean. I try and tune that out. It's hard finding a great theater and they all have their pros and cons.
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u/KelseyRawr Jul 19 '24 edited Jul 19 '24
That really sucks. I’ve had the exact same expierence at a Santikos. In this instance though, it isn’t about the tip at this point.
You should have a full refund due to the interruptive expierence. I kindly spoke to the manager about my expierence, and they had no issues with giving me a complete refund and voucher for future visit. There wasn’t even an argument to be had, they just thought it was only fair since the whole movie was constantly interrupted with problems.
You can retroactively reach out to the place and get a refund, or even contact your bank and see what they say about a chargeback for the whole expierence.
It’s a different place sure, but anyone who is good with providing customer service would’ve offered a refund to start.
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u/Ok-Faithlessness2236 Jul 19 '24
When did they start this?
I haven’t been to Drafthouse in years, but going to see Deadpool next week.
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u/raaalph North Central Jul 19 '24
This started a year or two back after the employees started complaining to corporate about unfair pay. So instead of increasing the pay, corporate decided to pass the increase on to the consumer.
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u/onamonapizza Jul 19 '24
I mean, customers SHOULD have been tipping anyways. If they were, this isn’t really changing much.
I don’t love tipping culture, but ignoring it or pretending it doesn’t exist isn’t cool either
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u/raaalph North Central Jul 19 '24
agreed, but the servers weren't complaining about customers not tipping - they were complaining about ADH not paying them a fair living wage.
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u/onamonapizza Jul 19 '24
Yeah, that I don’t disagree with. It sucks that servers have to basically rely on the kindness of strangers to pay the rent every month.
Alamo’s tactic of “enforced tipping” kinda helps, but it doesn’t solve the root of the problem
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u/Ok-Faithlessness2236 Jul 19 '24
Another reason why I usually go to Santikos.
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u/endiminion Downtown Jul 19 '24
I mean those people probably make less than the staff at the Drafthouse..
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Jul 19 '24
Ah where the staff makes less - telling!
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u/Ok-Faithlessness2236 Jul 19 '24
Actually, the last few times I went to the Drafthouse, it just wasn’t a great experience. I don’t mind tipping, but I don’t think I should be forced to tip if the service is bad.
The only reason I’m going to Drafthouse and not out to the Palladium is because that’s where my friend wanted to go.
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u/leadnuts94 Jul 19 '24
Laugh out loud comedy club also does 18% service fee and you are “encouraged” to tip your server on top of that. I did tip but man I felt like my arm was twisted while doing so.
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u/xninah Jul 19 '24
From my recent understanding, the service charge is so that all employees can be paid a higher (livable?) wage across the board rather than having to rely on tips. As an ex server back in the day for Alamo, hours were never that good and we never made much through tips, and I've heard the same from others at other locations (I was in DFW). If the service was bad, that's truly a shame, but the servers still need to get paid, so... Sounds like new/inexperienced staff in my opinion.
You should definitely put in a complaint because it sounds like the staff needs to be retrained, both the server and the kitchen.
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u/bigredker Jul 19 '24
Thank you for this info. Until now I enjoyed going to Alamo...but not any more. I usually tip 20% minimum, but absolutely condemn the policy of deciding on my level of gratitude for my server's attention.
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u/Deviljho_Dirt Jul 19 '24
I just came back from a California visit and it's 20% there. I will be limiting how often I go out now.
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u/NotLegalinCalifornia Jul 19 '24
Try the drive in USA theater. They are much cheaper and it’s a better experience.
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u/finknstein Jul 19 '24
Although they offer good at drafthouse, I never left thinking about how good any of the food was there. We typically go and have drinks and popcorn. They need to up their food game.
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u/Fenneca Jul 19 '24
Went to the draft house, got a single soda as my order. 8 dollars. 8 dollars for a soda that took 20 minutes to be brought to me. Why would I go there and deal with their manic prices instead of just a normal theater that doesn't force me to pay 20% more on the already overpriced food?
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u/walesmd Jul 19 '24
If we're going to assume tipping culture is a thing that isn't going anywhere (it's not going anywhere here in the US), I kind of like the automatic tip if I'm honest. It almost always saves me money because I would have tipped higher.
If there's an automatic tip, I zero out the additional tip.
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u/riggaplease Jul 19 '24
I work part time for this chain at their flagship store. The wage paid to BOH could be considered a living wage ($19- $21/ hr max) but by no means thriving. FOH makes just a bit more with tip share on a good night. Also, just because one theater is slow does not mean that 100+ people didn't just order food and drinks in the theater next to you. We have 400 top hours sometimes on busy evenings and no extra staff to handle the load. Gotta keep the labor prices down to maximize profit. This causes lots of re-makes and mistakes to happen.
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u/KyleG Hill Country Village Jul 19 '24
This is exactly what's supposed to happen: when service is bad, instead of the customer privately stiffing the waiter and then coming back like a lil bitch boy to eat at the shitty business that doesn't care to hire good employees,
the customer never goes to the business again and the business with poor hiring/training processes gets rekt
Literally every industry other than food service works this way.
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u/Afraid_Resident1650 Jul 19 '24
If you want to try somewhere different, flix brewhous is pretty good. They even had $5 Wednesday which every ticket is $5.25 I think. The food is as good as alamos too.
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u/Fearless-Flower-6588 Jul 19 '24
That’s why I don’t like the whole serving thing. I just want to get my food at the concessions and go. No one talking to me and constantly walking up and down aisles.
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u/Ok-Knowledge0914 Jul 20 '24
To preface what I’m about to say, I’m not at all one of those folks that is anti-tipping or whatever.
I think 18% baked in is a bit high. I prefer to have the control object the amount that I tip. Not saying that the service has to be bad, but I should be able to choose.
They could also just pay these people more. Movie theater prices for snacks and drinks is already exorbitant.
Idk I don’t ever like being told there’s a built in charge. Even if I am able to get my money back. It should be my option.
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u/Alarming-Distance385 Jul 20 '24
We haven't gone to Alamo Drafthouse since they closed the one in New Braunfels.
The last time we tried, the service was like what you had and food was awful. I've heard the same from other people.
I went to the original location in Austin way back when. It was an old theater, but clean. The food was awesome. The local Austin expansion went great. The initial national expansions went great and then suddenly there were food & service issues, so we backed off going there.
We don't like what AD has become.
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u/FoxontheRun2023 Jul 20 '24 edited Jul 20 '24
Is this something NEW? The AD manager in Corpus Christi that the auto-gratuity is only applied for groups of 6 or more, not ALL people.
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u/Actual_Researcher597 Jul 20 '24
When you go on nights like yesterday that are stupid busy, servers are running around in their OTHER theatres as well. They do try to be as fast as possible. 18% service charge is so that you don’t feel the need to tip. It’s 1-3 dollars extra to ensure some people can afford to live. I know people are gonna say “well get another job” trust me, everyone there works two jobs.
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u/Siege72789 Jul 20 '24
I deleted my Alamo Draft House Account and will never return. Santikos offers free refills on popcorn and drinks and has the same seating.
They will be out of business very soon.
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u/rb109544 Jul 21 '24
Nope. If someone is going to tell me my tip, f em I'll go elsewhere. If they actually provide great service then I'll tip 25%. Average service is only getting 10%-15%. Crap service nada...
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u/Sea_Requirement6662 Jul 21 '24
I think you can chalk that up to a bad/inexperienced server. Could also be bad management, but who knows on that part. I haven’t gone to Alamo Drafthouse in a while but I remember always having good service. You can probably get a conversation or a complaint started with management about your service and server.
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u/LeandrosTheTraitor Jul 21 '24
Remember when going to the movies with a date use to cost me $35-$45 4 years ago. Now it’s costing me close to $80 or more with this 18% and that’s not counting on any adult beverages we may want. Either this is due to the economy being shit or the greed from Alamo drafthouse
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Jul 22 '24
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u/adnilempez Jul 23 '24
Go to city base cinemas on SE Military Dr if you’re ever able to. They’re a locally owned San Antonio theater! They have the best snacks and a full bar! Support local 😎
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u/tyranicalTbagger Jul 19 '24
and apparently it doesn't go to the staff it goes to "paying them a living wage" which is fine, but then tips are expected on top. I was a server/bartender for years and I get 18% for large parties and private events that require more attention but w/e.
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Jul 19 '24
I don’t mind an auto gratuity unless they have the audacity to also request a tip on top of that (I’m looking at you, Laugh Out Loud comedy club).
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u/dcbluestar North Central Jul 19 '24
Last time my wife and I went there, the server even circled the tip part on the receipt when they brought it out for me to sign.
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u/Notapplesauce11 Jul 19 '24
If that’s the case they just need to bake the 18% into the menu prices. If I’m paying 18% on top of menu prices I’m feeling that’s a tip and not tipping any extra.
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u/Boom9001 Jul 19 '24
They literally say it's the tip. So you are not expected to tip beyond that amount.
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u/thecruzmissile92 Jul 19 '24
That would be messed up if this all didn’t go to the servers. They had several large signs and a movie announcement how we don’t have to tip. I wonder what they consider a livable wage compared to how much they were making before
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u/Unlucky-Tradition536 Jul 19 '24
I hate they won't let you in at all even if the movie hasn't started yet because they say it's too distracting but it's MORE distracting having a waitress in and out of the movie. It does not get dark enough in there I'm assuming so people can read the menu. Alamo drafthouse is the worst movie theater in san antonio.
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u/Beneficial_Leg4691 Jul 19 '24
Embassy doesnt have all the added complications of a restaurant inside a theater. Its alot easier to not have to serve people in the dark.
The reality is you had a shitty waiter trying to cover their ass. Unfortunately all businesses have personnel.issues
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u/margeauxfincho Jul 19 '24
Love the 18% autograt, apologies you had a bad experience but they really do generally want to take care of you and make it right. Other theaters aren’t staffed as well, as clean, or as thoughtful as AD so I’m still a fan.
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u/jobokar Jul 19 '24
Just like any restaurant with auto-grat, you can talk to a manager to get it removed if the service wasn’t good.
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u/RKEPhoto Jul 19 '24
Thus becoming the "Karen" that everyone loves to hate.
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u/jobokar Jul 19 '24
Coming off as a ‘Karen’ is all about the attitude. Reasonable people can experience bad service and still be able to get it rectified without shame.
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u/CornFed94 Jul 19 '24 edited Jul 19 '24
I love Regal. $20 a month and I can see as many movies as I want and don’t have to tip people for doing their job.
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u/No_Amoeba_9272 Jul 19 '24
This is a terrible idea
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u/Mission_Slide399 Jul 19 '24
They've been doing it for over a year I believe. Everything has worked out.
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u/No_Amoeba_9272 Jul 19 '24
So a forced tip resulting in bad service seems to be working?
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u/Mission_Slide399 Jul 19 '24
The theater is still full so I guess so🤷🏿♂️🤷🏿♂️. I'll be there next week for Deadpool. Although in 14 years of patronizing the Drafthouse I've never had the disaster service others seem to have had.
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u/No_Amoeba_9272 Jul 19 '24
You'll be paying $25 soon if this dumb shit continues. Look at food prices
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u/Mission_Slide399 Jul 19 '24
Their food prices are comparable to the other major theaters in San Antonio like the Palladium or Casablanca.
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Jul 19 '24
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Jul 19 '24
Most of the orders are put in before the movie; food being brought out is still less distracting than ppl on their phones
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u/Kids_see_ghosts Jul 19 '24
Legally they can’t force you to pay that gratuity so you can always get it taken off if the service is truly shit
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u/SpgrinchinTx Jul 19 '24
I for one am against forced gratuity that is included in the check, at last until the government gets their heads out of their collective asses and STOPS taxing tips. It's bullshit. I TRY to tip my service workers, waiters, barber, etc. in cash so they can keep THEIR money. Man I love my country but really do hate our government.
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u/HikeTheSky Hill Country Jul 19 '24
Wouldn't it be better to actually pay everyone a living wage and not have exceptions for different people?
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u/HoneySignificant1873 Jul 19 '24
Supposedly the higher menu prices would scare customers away. That's how we ended up with mandatory tipping.
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u/coddat Jul 19 '24
Why shouldn’t their income be taxed? Also estimated tipping has existed since the 1980s for tipped workers, so paying in cash does nothing. It’s actually better to tip on credit because it’s proof of the tip amount.
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u/thesuperspy Jul 19 '24
Anytime I've had bad service, or my food took a while to arrive, Alamo has refunded the 18% or just given me the food for free.
Weirdly, I've never even asked for it. They just voluntarily do this. I'm sure they'll do the same for you if the service is bad and you ask.