In this episode of Rising Tides Live, the conversation explores the evolving landscape of digital tipping and its impact on the restaurant and hospitality industry, featuring insights from Brian Hassan and Justin Roberts of Kickfin. Brian and Justin join host Shawn Walchef to discuss how digital gratuity solutions are transforming tip management, improving transparency, and streamlining operations for businesses. From the rise of ‘tipflation’ and consumer tipping trends to the benefits of instant payouts for employees, the episode unpacks key insights on the future of tipping. Together, they dive into industry shifts, the role of technology in financial transactions, and how restaurants can adapt to meet both employee and customer expectations in a digitally connected world. The Rising Tides community actively joined the discussion, sharing insights and asking questions about tipping culture, employee wages, and the broader impact of digital payment solutions.

Interview Takeaways:

The State of Digital Tipping & Tipflation Trends – Tipping remains steady at 19%, with full-service restaurants averaging 20% and quick-service at 15%. States with strong tip credit systems, like Delaware and West Virginia, see higher tips (22%), while states without them, like California, report lower averages. Tipflation—where tipping prompts are everywhere—is causing consumer fatigue, but POS companies continue to push them for higher transaction fees.
How Kickfin is Changing the Game – Despite digital advancements, 90% of restaurants still use cash for tips. Kickfin eliminates this by automating gratuity payouts, instantly transferring earnings to employees’ bank accounts. This boosts transparency, efficiency, and financial security, especially for workers relying on tips for rent, bills, and daily expenses.
The Future of Tipping and Hospitality Management – Tip transparency is now a coaching tool, helping managers track trends, optimize upselling, and improve service. In quick-service restaurants, tipping happens before service, creating challenges in maintaining hospitality. Beyond restaurants, digital tipping is expanding into hotels, salons, and tour groups, showing the industry’s evolution.

Episode Links:

Kickfin Online: https://kickfin.com/
Kickfin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kickfin/
Kickfin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kickfin2618
Kickfin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kickfin/
Kickfin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kickfin/
Brian Hassan Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianhassan/
Justin Roberts LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjustinroberts/

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