Our Service Fee Program

Fostering a Culture of Support and Equity

Since the inception of Stone’s Throw in 2018, our mission has been clear: to cultivate an environment of unwavering support and stability for our team members. Central to this ethos is our commitment to providing fair and equitable wages and benefits, ensuring that every individual within our organization feels valued and empowered in their role.

After meticulous deliberation spanning several months, we resolved to implement a service fee model as the optimal mechanism to uphold our principles of transparency and employee protection. Under this model, a percentage is added to the total of each guest bill—17.5% in Richmond, Fairfax, Charlotte, and Jericho, and 20% in Waterbury for dine-in service. Importantly, every cent generated through this service fee directly contributes to employee wages, with no diversion to other business endeavors or investments.

This decision was made in lieu of simply raising prices, as we firmly believe that transparency regarding where each dollar is allocated is paramount. Moreover, the service fee program affords us the opportunity to extend additional benefits to our staff, including the provision of 401(k) plans and, in due course, health insurance coverage.

The overwhelmingly positive reception of our service fee program by the majority of our patrons underscores its efficacy in fostering a sense of respect and enthusiasm within our community. It is heartening to witness the public’s recognition of our staff's dedication and the tangible support they express by inquiring about the possibility of tipping atop the service fee.

Our commitment to equitable compensation for our team members is deeply rooted in our ethos. While we have always endeavored to remunerate our staff fairly, the traditional tipping model proved to be inherently unreliable, with average tip rates consistently falling below deserved levels.

By transitioning away from the tipping paradigm, we not only ensure the long-term prosperity and equity of our team and business but also confront the historical inequities embedded within the practice of tipping itself. Indeed, tipping originated from antiquated societal norms wherein the wealthy bestowed additional funds upon individuals of lower social strata—a paradigm we unequivocally reject.

At the core of our ethos lies a profound belief in the capabilities of our management team to deliver exceptional service. They are deserving of a fee commensurate with their dedication and the labor-intensive efforts that culminate in the unparalleled experience we strive to provide each and every day.

Frequently asked questions

Where does the service fee go?
One hundred percent of the service fee goes to pay our team, which covers less than half of our labor expenses. The service fee is not broken up and redistributed to other business initiatives or investments.

Is the service fee taxed?  
The Vermont Department of Revenue does not require us to tax service fees less than 20% when added to food and beverage bills. 

Why don’t you offer a tip line on guest checks?
We took a big step away from tipping by changing our compensation model and offering a complete, liveable hourly wage for our entire team. Adding a tip line sends mixed messages to our team and guests and its presence signals that tipping is still an expectation. By eliminating it, we’re seeking to resolve the conflict that surfaces when there is pressure to give or receive a tip.

Can I still tip if I want to?
Tipping at our restaurant isn’t necessary. We recognize that some guests may still want to do so because it feels like an important part of their dining experience; if you wish to tip, please write it in on your credit card slip or leave cash on the table.

Are all Stone’s Throw Pizza restaurants a no-tipping service fee model?
Yes, all of our restaurants follow this model. The percentage and details vary slightly based on each restaurant’s service style and needs.

What’s the reasoning behind the legal language on your menu and website?
Simply put: we’re following the law. Vermont state law requires we notify guests of obligatory service fee with clear and conspicuous notice. The language on our menu and website is taken verbatim from state law and must be printed as is. The language is present to alert you of the service fee and to protect us against claims of hidden fees and unauthorized charges. 

Our legal statement is as follows:
We’re a no tip necessary establishment. We apply a 17.5% (20% for Waterbury dine-in) service fee to your bill, which goes to support fair wages and benefits for our entire team. In compliance with Vermont law, we must state: Pursuant to Vermont Statute 32 V.S.A Chapter 233, this charge is not a gratuity for employee service.