Operation Charge Disclosure
All five Berry Fresh Cafe locations currently apply an 18% operation charge to every in-house purchase. Here's what that is, why it's there, and how it's different from a tip.
Why we do this
Florida's minimum wage has been on a scheduled climb toward $15/hour since a 2020 ballot measure, and the restaurant industry's traditional tip-based pay structure has been under real pressure as a result. To keep paying our service team competitively — without pricing our menu out of reach — Berry Fresh Cafe has moved its front-of-house team to a commission-based pay model, funded by this operation charge. It is separate and distinct from any additional tip a guest chooses to leave.
Definitions
Any required amount added to a guest check beyond the cost of food, beverage and tax. Restaurants use this term for a range of models industry-wide — service fees under a commission pay structure, automatic gratuities, and credit-card surcharges among them. At Berry Fresh Cafe, it funds our commission pay model for the service team.
A tip is always entirely optional. Whether to leave one, and how much, is completely up to the guest — the operation charge is separate from, and does not replace, gratuity.
An employee paid at the state's tipped minimum wage — a direct W-2 team member, subject to standard overtime rules.
Paid a percentage of sales rather than relying solely on an hourly wage. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, an employee in a sales role who earns at least half their pay from commission — and whose total pay still meets or exceeds the state's standard, non-tipped minimum wage — can have their base hourly rate set by the employer at any amount.
Operation Charge FAQ
How does the operation charge affect what my server takes home?
Our servers are paid an hourly wage plus commission — the 18% operation charge is that commission, paid out to the service team.
Does my server keep the operation charge, or does it get split with a tip pool?
The service team keeps 100% of the operation charge, plus 100% of any additional gratuity a guest chooses to leave.
How is this different from how servers were traditionally paid?
Traditionally, servers tip out a share of their tips — often 20% or more — to support staff like bussers, hosts and kitchen prep. Berry Fresh Cafe's commission model changes how the service team is funded, aiming to keep pay competitive as Florida's minimum wage continues to rise.
Is the operation charge a tip?
No. It is a mandatory charge, separate from gratuity. Any additional tip you leave beyond the operation charge is entirely voluntary and goes to your server.
Which locations does this apply to?
All five Berry Fresh Cafe locations — Stuart, Port St. Lucie, Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens and West Palm Beach.
Questions about a specific charge on your check? Reach out to your nearest Berry Fresh Cafe directly.