Business
Business

Touching customers earns servers better tips?

By Matt Kempner
Dec 3, 2015

Dining out any time soon? If so, pay attention to whether servers touch you or squat beside your table.

It could convince you to leave a better tip, according to a hospitality researcher.

Waiters and waitresses also can boost gratuities by writing “Thank you” on the check or drawing on it, according to Cornell University professor Michael Lynn’s research.

Click here to find out what else works and how the world of gratuities is undergoing a revolution (finally), in the latest Unofficial Business column on myAJC.com.

About the Author

Matt Kempner is an award-winning journalist who seeks out intriguing twists about people and subjects beyond what the AJC might typically cover. A former columnist and editor, his past assignments have included business investigations, energy, the economy, entrepreneurs, big business, consumer spending, politics, government and the environment.

Follow Matt Kempner on facebookFollow Matt Kempner on twitter
More Stories

Keep Reading

Aerial view of the 55th running of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road,Thursday, July 4, 2024, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin / AJC)

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

Summer will bring major events to Atlanta: Here’s what’s in store

Summer is always a season with lots to do, and 2025 is no exception. Atlanta has a packed calendar ahead; here are some things to check out for yourself.

Georgia Power’s forecasts questioned amid historic data center-driven expansion

In hearings at the PSC, witnesses questioned how much of the data center-driven electricity demand surge Georgia Power predicts will actually pan out.

White House budget office supports selling Peachtree Summit building

The Office of Management & Budget approved a recommendation by the Public Buildings Reform Board to dispose of 11 federal buildings, including Atlanta's Peachtree Summit.

The Latest

A parking lot is full of Kroger delivery trucks at the Kroger Delivery Atlanta Fulfillment Center in Forest Park. (Hyosub Shin / AJC)

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

‘We are ready to strike’: Kroger drivers at Atlanta area hub take vote

Cam Newton sets sights on media empire with metro Atlanta studio

How Porsche’s North American HQ and test track have reshaped Atlanta’s Southside

Featured

Savannah Chrisley, daughter of former reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, speaks outside the Federal Prison Camp on May 28, 2025, in Pensacola, Fla. President Donald Trump pardoned Todd and Julie Chrisley, who were found guilty of defrauding banks out of $36 million and hiding millions in earnings to avoid paying taxes. (Dan Anderson/AP)

Credit: Dan Anderson/AP

Trump’s pardons may backfire, former federal prosecutors warn

The president's actions could erode faith in the justice system and deter federal investigators and prosecutors, Atlanta attorneys say.

A Georgia kid placed 3rd in national spelling bee. He hopes to return in 2026.

Georgia fifth grader Sarv Dharavane placed third in the Scripps National Spelling Bee, the youngest participant to make the final round.

South Georgia mayor among those arrested, indicted for election interference

Prosecutors say Owens and the 2 election officials improperly blocked voters from casting ballots in a special election. Polling places were locked the morning of the vote.