Ford’s Garage Team Service Model Really Worth The Extra Money?

Tipping is a weird concept that only the US puts a lot of stock into. Unlike in the US, most other countries do not tip, and their waitstaff gets well taken care of. However, over the last several years, I’ve noticed when eating out similar tipping plans to what we will discuss today. Today we will review Ford’s Garage Team Service Model and tell you if it is worth it from both perspectives. 

What is the Ford’s Garage Team Model Service? 

First and foremost, you are probably wondering what this team model service is. Well, it’s a new service model in a select handful of locations to bring you a better quality of service. 

This team model service includes bartenders and servers who no longer have to leave the dining room. They will have a support team to help ensure that you to have your needs taken care of as efficiently as possible. 

What is the Service Fee for the Ford’s Garage Team Model Service?

Every check will have a 20% service fee. 20% service fee is pretty steep, especially when you compare the 18% service fee at Disney’s sit-down restaurants when you have a party of 6 or more.

However, keep in mind that this service fee is not paid to the bartenders and servers. They get paid a flat commission on every sale. Do we know what the commission is as a consumer? No, unfortunately.

However, Ford’s Garage says this program will allow your bartender and server to sell more than having them work for traditional tips. But is that really true though? Do bartenders get a part of the sale, if the table doesn’t order food? It’s something to think about, that’s for sure. 

Do I Still Need to Tip Using This Service?

You do not need to tip when with the Ford’s Garage Team Service Model. Since the bartenders and servers are paid a commission on your sale. Ford’s Garage states that every employee will average nearly $18-20 an hour. However, we know that’s not a comfortable wage when living in Polk County as I explained previously. 

But, if you want to tip on top of the 20%, you are more than welcome too. They still have the tip line on the check when you are getting cashed out. 

Ford’s Garage Team Service Model Worth it for the Customer?

I dined at the Ford’s Garage in the Vineland Premium Outlets on Saturday around 4 pm. I saw this and was okay with it and figured it would be a good time to try it out.

Well, I can attest that even if the restaurant is not busy, there’s no reason why your server cannot be attentive to you. My server that night only had me and another table in her section, from what I could see. However, it took for a manager to ask me if I was getting a refill on my drink for the server to hurriedly say, “Yes, I’m getting it right now.” Mind you my drink needed to be refilled for a bit before the manager came over. 

If that’s the service, we got when the restaurant was pretty dead. I would hate to see the service we’d get with the Ford’s Garage Team Service Model when the restaurant is busy.

Was it worth the 20% of our bill, heck no. While I always typically tip 15-20% on service, I want good service. I don’t need you to wait on me hand and foot. However, just coming over to see if all is good, keeping drinks filled, etc, will get you a good tip in my book, and I will be bound to ask for you next time I come to the establishment. 

Is the Team Model Service a Good Thing for Servers/Bartenders?

A big question I was thinking about while eating at Ford Garage was whether it is good for the servers and bartenders. And honestly, it really will depend on the customer. If a customer sees this 20% service fee as a tip, then the server won’t get extra money on top of their commission. 

If you work in a rather slow restaurant, and you have this team service model, it can make your earnings go down the drain. I know from having an older sister who was in the industry and friends who are currently in the industry that they love their tips. That they can make more money working a couple of hours than some jobs working 8 hours a day.

I personally see this as possibly stopping the cash cow and making serving and bartending positions into minimum wage positions. 

Need More Central Florida Food Recommendations? 

Ford’s Garage Team Service Model challenges traditional tipping norms with a 20% service fee to elevate your dining experience, in theory. If you are looking for some amazing Florida seafood and not regular hamburgers, may I recommend Crafty Crab and the Boston Lobster Feast? Enjoy dining experiences filled with subtle flavors and delightful moments.