We rarely do touristy things like this, but on our first trip to SB (pre-pandemic), we took this tour. Similar experience as described. And despite some kitschy moments, the overall experience was quite fun, and a quick sketch of SB (orientation). We particularly loved the water tour - and our guide played the Jaws theme song as we entered the Harbor. ????
Oh boy we have to find something for you to cover. We’ve hit rock bottom!
It looks like the DA is going after these types of practices.. This Noozhawk article is dated July 21: https://www.noozhawk.com/santa-barbara-county-das-office-sends-warning-letters-to-restaurants-charging-illegal-surcharges-fees/?utm_medium=email
The Tent Merchant Prop & Decor Outlet at 930 State Street.
Sama Sama should raise prices to cover vs force a decision on service charge + gratuity. Focus on quality of food and great service.
Seems like a business cost should be in price.
Yeah same guy. He’s been trying to sell the paterna house on and off for the last few years. That front yard also looks like a half price sale in the plant department at Home Depot.
I went to a concert at the Bowl last week and was shocked to see a tip jar at the area that sells shirts, posters, hats, etc. That was a first for me!
Many restaurants are getting tricky with how they pay their staff with how they distribute tips amongst employees. Unless you work there or have family working there, we often have no idea. Recently a very popular restaurant in the Santa Ynez valley decided to change how they divide up tips. Instead of giving the hostess an hourly pay raise, they are giving the actual servers/bartenders less. They told the employees it was more fair, but actually the hostess is now getting a huge portion of the pooled tips. I have worked in the service industry for over 35 years, in many fields, and find that quite unfair. I expect with the automatic 18% service charge, the servers at Sama will now get tipped less. I understand that running a successful restaurant in this area is tough, but I do not agree with that service charge. I will not be returning to Sama Sama.
Exactly
Fixed it, thanks!
Correction - 800 Rockbridge Road, not Riven Rock Road :-)
I will not be going to Sama Sama . I agree with the person above if you want to charge a service fee because increase in rent, utilities, etc. then change the prices of your food not of the service
Let your consumers decide if they want to pay your prices don’t tax on words and add extra fees.
As previously noted, it appears the 18% is almost entirely going to the owners to cover their operating costs. The staff “may” be getting the monies indirectly via what they describe on the bill above but who knows. Have they gotten a pay increase or improved healthcare since this started … only the staff could answer. If not … you have your answer. This is becoming as infuriating as giving 20% to someone to literally hands you a donut or cup of coffee from across a counter and the “service” includes nothing else. Shouldn’t I tip a cashier at Target or In-N-Out in this case?
Pretty sure the same guy owns it who bought the house on Paterna and cut down the lollipop Eugenia that belong to the city and then put a bunch of similar annuals out. Very strange.
I hope someone buys the Neutra place and builds something that is at least an homage to the famous architect. Present owners are a bit eccentric-they’ve taken out all the agaves and appropriate drought resistant landscaping and put in roses bushes and annuals that look like they were bought at Home Depot. It’s a fabulous lot and great location, I was so sad when the house burned down.
I so love that Whale House. My step-dad lived up in Mission Canyon and we would pass that house everyday. I always wanted to live there. So much fun.
I ate at Sama recently. They seemed understaffed on a busy weekend night, but our server was very composed and friendly. After expressing some concern over the stressed staff, we were conversing with our server and they told us how upset they were over the automatic 18% "service charge" because most of it was going to the owners. Very disappointing, if you've ever worked in the service industry, you'd know that tips are your main income, especially in the very expensive Santa Barbara housing market AND inflation costs. When I tip (always at least 20% ) I assume it goes to my server, the one who is directly responsible to my experience. It's a shame to hear that it goes to the owners and not the hardworking staff.
Ugh mandatory "service charges" are just infuriating - if it's mandatory and applies to everything it should be reflected in the item prices. Here's hoping SB 478 passes.
We were just in Paris and all service charges including tips were included in your bill. The French sometimes leave some change to round up the bill. Many restaurants have tip/service charge included when your party is 6 or more. I’m fine with paying it all although we leave 20% at most restaurants.
Wylde Works is a meadery. I didn't know they were having trouble. The place always had at least some people in it, if it wasn't packed, whenever I walked by.
Great article...I've lived here 40+ years and never have been on the Land Shark. I learned many new things about our little slice of paradise.
Thank you for sharing.
To hear about the next opportunity, go to bossetoytrainmuseum.org, click on “plan a visit,” and fill out the form.
I would like to get tickets to come visit. How soon can I come?
Please sign me up.
TY Christine-
