Safety Harbor restaurant implemented 20% service charge on each check

Written on 01/30/2024
Julie Salomone, ABC Action News


A restaurant in Safety Harbor has implemented a commission-based pay model to pay servers and other support staff.

Southern Fresh on 3rd Avenue North adds a 20% service charge to every check for customers who dine at the restaurant.

The fee does not apply to takeout orders.

Servers receive 15%, while other support staff like bartenders and runners share the other 5%.

"At the end of the day, it lets everyone work based on commission rather than hourly and tips," said Aaron Stewart, owner of Southern Fresh.

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