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Obamacare: Now Appearing On Your Restaurant Bill

Tyler Durden's picture



Presenting Exhibit A.

From CNN:

Several restaurants in a Florida chain are asking customers to help foot the bill for Obamacare. Diners at eight Gator's Dockside casual eateries are finding a 1% Affordable Care Act surcharge on their tabs, which comes to 15 cents on a typical $15 lunch tab. Signs on the door and at tables alert diners to the fee, which is also listed separately on the bill.













So more surcharges coming then.

The bottom line decision for businesses: fire your workers, or pass through the costs to other consumers. Many have done the fomer, or converted full-time workers to part-time status. Increasingly more are opting for the latter. How long until the popular outcry that this latest "freebie" by the government was anything but.


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Thu, 02/27/2014 - 13:10 | 4485088 Quinvarius
Quinvarius's picture

Look at what that dude is eating.  His ACA charge should be higher. 

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 13:12 | 4485103 Divided States ...
Divided States of America's picture

Another loser out of all this is the waiter/waitress.....I am sure they will get less tips because of that extra surcharge.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 13:15 | 4485116 gmrpeabody
gmrpeabody's picture

It'll come out of the tips, you can be sure...,

especially the tips left by the left, if you follow my meaning.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 13:20 | 4485163 onewayticket2
onewayticket2's picture

Good.  the entire cost structure should be itemized....maybe the sheeple would wake up

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 13:23 | 4485183 dryam
dryam's picture

Means you eat at another restaurant or stay in to eat.  Unfortunately, this results in restaurants not doing well and worker layoffs. 

Only when people hit bottom can they wake up and vote/protest/uprise to make the corrective changes.  Unfortunately, this requires short term pain for long term gain.  It's not unlike an alcoholic that has to hit absolute bottom before he can wise up and stop drinking.

Bring on the pain so we can get this shit over with.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 13:26 | 4485213 Four chan
Four chan's picture

should be labled obama charge

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 13:28 | 4485228 lordylord
lordylord's picture

Should be labled ignorant voter charge.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 13:37 | 4485276 outamyeffinway
outamyeffinway's picture

"Ok, time now for sayonara. Go on Yankee break my heart."

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 13:40 | 4485297 Pladizow
Pladizow's picture

That's the Obummer fuck you in the ass with no vasaline surcharge!

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 13:52 | 4485364 johnQpublic
johnQpublic's picture

the charge is 3 dollars at NTB where i got the wifes oil changed


too damn cold outside to do it myself

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 14:11 | 4485474 SmackDaddy
SmackDaddy's picture

People are so fucking dumb.  I remember a year or two back Ohio changed our sales tax laws to now include certain types of personal services.  I saw one business owner who put up a sign to notify customers of a 10% price increase to cover the tax (which was 7%).  The sign specifically blamed Obama,  But it was a Republican governor here.  I'm not an Obama fan, but to transfer the cost of the tax and then some to your customers makes you an asshole.  And your explanation for it makes you retarded.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 14:17 | 4485497 Manthong
Manthong's picture

Camel’s nose under tent for a national sales tax?

Way to go, Barry... all you got left for GDP are service industries and you are killing that, too.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 14:44 | 4485638 0b1knob
0b1knob's picture

Charged twice for iced tea?  No free refills?  Over $5 for a chili dog?

This restaurant sucks on so many levels.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 15:18 | 4485819 johnQpublic
johnQpublic's picture

obviously two people ate on this tab

a sandwich, a dog and 2 teas

2 people

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 15:24 | 4485848 Handful of Dust
Handful of Dust's picture

Airlines will be next to charge an "ACA Surcharge." They charge for everything else!

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 15:57 | 4485969 SafelyGraze
SafelyGraze's picture

by this executive order I am putting an end to the unpatriotic practice adopted by certain eating establishments; namely, itemizing a so-called "ACA" fee on their bills.

anyone who engages in commerce and who in any way indicates that they are charging based on real or imagined mandates can be assured that they will face fines of up to 10,000 per infraction and jail time of up to 10 years per infraction.

now let's all get back to work, and let's do so with the positive and grateful attitude that made this country great.


ps - you might qualify for a loan to go back to school! 

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 16:28 | 4486079 Boris Alatovkrap
Boris Alatovkrap's picture

Nothing is wake up befuddle masses like when is hit pocket book.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 16:36 | 4486111 Panem et Circus
Panem et Circus's picture

I love it when people say something to the effect of "They haven't felt enough pain to wake up yet."


DETROIT is still ASLEEP!!!

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 17:15 | 4486271 zaphod
zaphod's picture

Imagine if they line itemed everything else that hits a small business. The receipt would be 10 feet long.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 17:37 | 4486368 ejmoosa
ejmoosa's picture

Just imagine if they did it at the gas pump to show you how much for for the gas and how many other embedded taxes were there.

When you buy a gallon of gas, the government nets more than the oil company.  

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 21:27 | 4487170 chumbawamba
chumbawamba's picture

Well, when you buy that gallon of gas, at least you can say you've paid your fair share for the maintenance of the highways, because you have.  None of your state or federal taxes goes to any of that.

As far as sales tax, it's a privilege tax on the vendor or retailer, and they aren't supposed to be passing it on to you, the customer.  The privilege to sell retail is the taxabale event, not the sale of your goods.


I am Chumbawamba.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 23:05 | 4487492 Balanced Integer
Balanced Integer's picture

Not sure if serious...

Fri, 02/28/2014 - 06:39 | 4487996 StandardDeviant
StandardDeviant's picture

A number of gas stations in Canada used to do just that, putting signs on the pumps explaining that about half of what you were paying went to various levels of gov't, in what I assume was an attempt to redirect customers' anger at price hikes.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 16:37 | 4486118 TheMeatTrapper
TheMeatTrapper's picture

Yeah, but they said it would be FREE.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 16:12 | 4486024 0b1knob
0b1knob's picture

It says "party of 1" on the check.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 16:36 | 4486113 johnQpublic
johnQpublic's picture

read the goddamn bill

its obviously for two people

now, google the menu...easily done

mon-fri its .99 for the damn bottomless ice tea from 11am-4pm

it says bottomless on the menu, but does vary by location

and everything is huge there, just like at every chain

no one is eating two meals there

and they'd prolly opt for dessert instead

buncha children here today

did everyone go batshit stupid since yesterday?

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 16:48 | 4486159 Skateboarder
Skateboarder's picture

You gotta be retarded to look at that receipt and not understand it is a meal for two people. $2.50 for Iced Tea at 'regular' price is stupid expensive, but on the same page as everywhere else. Doesn't a soda cost you two bucks these days anyway? ( I wouldn't know - I don't buy fountain soda ).

Alls I know is that 5 bucks (including $1 tip) for a pint of beer is the most I'll pay without being pissed off.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 18:21 | 4486522 John_Coltrane
John_Coltrane's picture

Drinking beer always makes me pissed off.  Ha Ha

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 16:52 | 4486174 IrritableBowels
IrritableBowels's picture

He should've used the force.

or logic...

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 17:43 | 4486339 Things that go bump
Things that go bump's picture

I can't believe people actually pay over $20 for a sandwich, a dog and 2 teas without even chips or fries. I can feed 4 people 2 meals for that. The Obamacare surcharge is a pittance. I feed 4 people for around $500 a month. We eat well and have a good homemade dinner every night. We have steak or roast once a week. I'm a good cook. I make my own bread for around 50 cents a loaf. I make my own noodles, which are far superior to store bought. I make homemade pizza and spaghetti sauce from scratch. I buy flour and sugar by the 25 lb sack and yeast by the pound and freeze it (its quite expensive in those little packets). I buy all my meat in bulk and cook enough to freeze for another meal or have hot lunches the next day. I made us all copycat Chipotle burritos for about $10 total the other night and had enough left over for lunches the next day. They were quite authentic though I'm afraid we failed the rolling up process and had to eat them with forks, but it was fun and we laughed. Monday I made a pan of lasagna for around $15 and had enough to freeze for another meal. Homemade is cheaper, better tasting and I know exactly what goes into it - no preservatives and no chemicals that aren't food. I understand some restaurants don't even cook their own meals, but have them shipped to them frozen. Yuck. I buy 3 boxes of saltines, 3 boxes of graham crackers and popcoran for those inclined to snack. 

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 17:49 | 4486403 lostintheflood
lostintheflood's picture

things that go bump...everything that you say is true, has always been true, and will always be true...if you want it done right, you should do it yourself, and that includes preparing food....most especially it includes food.

we stopped eating out this past year.  we've saved a ton of money, and we eat better, but most importantly, we know what we are eating.

in the grocery stores i see 2 kinds of raw chicken.  one is locally produced and one is shipped from arkansas.  we live in the puget sound.  the local chicken costs more, but i wouldn't buy or eat the chicken shipped from arkansas.  i don't want that factory food.  but i guarantee you that if we ate out, the restaurant would serve the cheaper, factory chicken...and how would we know the difference?

in fact, i don't trust any factory or pre-prepared food.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 17:53 | 4486418 Things that go bump
Things that go bump's picture

I do spend the extra to buy the organic chicken. I don't like the look of those monsterous, unnatural factory chickens. 

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 18:39 | 4486632 johnQpublic
johnQpublic's picture

i want to throttle you

google the menu for gods sake

everythng is a platter and comes with fries

i have eaten there

its fantastic

you can not finish your meal unless you are begging for heartburn

doesnt anyone google anything before they comment on it?

this is how we end up with idiots running the show

nobody does their due diligence

we have to order the food to see whats in it

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 20:51 | 4486970 Things that go bump
Things that go bump's picture

My bad, but I think I can go make myself a chicken sandwich, fries and an iced tea for about a buck right now, probably less, and it wouldn't be more than I could eat, it would be just enough. All that more than you can eat crap is just a waste of food and not a selling point to me. It encourages the sort of over-indulgence that leads to obesity. Iced tea is practically free and what does a potato cost?

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 14:40 | 4485612 greyghost
greyghost's picture

exactly smackdaddy, $5.00 for two iced teas that cost maybe 20 cents to make. this company is just cheap to the power of ten. what's the game behind the 1% surcharge? this is an insult to any thinking person. do they expect me to believe that 1% is going to cover their health care costs? perhaps this is just another ploy to extract an extra 1% from their customers to add to their bottom line. i call bullshit!!!!!

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 15:26 | 4485859 johnQpublic
johnQpublic's picture

a good vodka martini is going to set you back twelve bucks


must be a democrat to want his beverage at cost

bring your own glass and get it your self and drink it in the alley


Thu, 02/27/2014 - 15:27 | 4485864 jsgibson
jsgibson's picture

The blame for outrageous prices falls squarely on the feral reserve and politicians that enable reckless spending.  The problem is our fiat, paper, conjured out of thin air, MONEY - not "greedy" mid to small size businesses.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 15:13 | 4485797 SmackDaddy
SmackDaddy's picture

My point being, if youre going to start itemizing costs like this, you might as well just hand out your cost sheet for everythign you sell.  Cuz I'd really like to know what your margin are on everything I buy.  And dont make the ACA surcharge (which you will pocket) look like a sales-tax type item (whcich you will remit)

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 15:40 | 4485917 SgtShaftoe
SgtShaftoe's picture

Do you think taxes on businesses would not be passed to consumers?  It's kind of an economic law.  Do you think businesses are just going to eat the cost whether it be levied by the state or feds?

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 15:48 | 4485942 Zymurguy
Zymurguy's picture

Ummmm, just about all taxes are passed through to the customer from every business offering a product or service to the public.  Read your phone bill lately?


Shit dog there's as much taxes as there are services.  Don't think the govt. doesn't know that?

The govt. does a good job of spreading small bits of taxation all over the place so it doesn't seem so severe.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 16:11 | 4486022 SmackDaddy
SmackDaddy's picture

I know exactly what you mean.  I review the phone bills for the company I work for.  We have several items that they try to pass off as tax remitances, but are just more money that they keep.  They just dont want to show certain thing in the base price.  Which is fine I guess, but these taxes are niether precise nor allocable, so it does not make sense to present them as such.  So not only do I have to pay the tax, but you know the companies set an amount that is slightly higher than what they will responsible for, so I'm paying their profit on it too. 

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 16:21 | 4486045 Zymurguy
Zymurguy's picture

That could be very true - and also terribly difficult to prove one way or another.

However, I think the more we see exactly what we're paying for, what portion of our goods and services are going to the govt. the better off we're going to be.  It will allow people to make educated decisions regarding theri personal economys.  Being able to make better decisions about your discretionary income will help everyone.

Think of how wonderful it would be if we didn't have the taxes deducted automatically from our pay checks and each quarter we had to write the govt. a check.

I can guarantee there'd be some major changes in how much tax we pay and how big the govt. would be.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 16:22 | 4486050 Zymurguy
Zymurguy's picture

Oh and BTW...

I approve of that avatar!!!

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 16:18 | 4485995 ejmoosa
ejmoosa's picture

The end consumer pays every tax.  Always has.  Always will.


That politicians try to hide these taxes is criminal.  That you do not get it and are blaming the business is the problem in and of itself.  Wake up.


To pay ANY tax, the business must get money from where? That's right-you.


Thu, 02/27/2014 - 17:41 | 4486380 effendi
effendi's picture

The tax itself may be 7% but there are other costs associated with the tax, Did his accountant charge a fee for advice on the implementation? Did changing the price labels on the shelves cost money? Does ongoing administration cost money?The guy might have to spend another night each week working on paperwork for another stupid tax so getting 3% to cover the costs, headaches and hassles is not unreasonable.


Thu, 02/27/2014 - 20:15 | 4486971 DYS
DYS's picture

May I suggest you hop on over to for news you can understand?

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 14:15 | 4485493 Joe Davola
Joe Davola's picture

Let me pull out ol' Roget and see if surcharge is synonymous with raised prices when in the end it still costs me more.

Or have we gone total 1984 and changed the meaning of synonymous.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 14:30 | 4485565 superflex
superflex's picture

$6.50 for a chili cheese dog and $2.50 for an iced tea is what they should be complaining about.

Looks like the owner of Gator's is a greedy fuck.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 14:45 | 4485615 Skateboarder
Skateboarder's picture

Better be real good iced tea for two fiddy.

Damn, those bigass 25c cookies in middle school are probably a buck fifty and tiny now.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 14:55 | 4485702 LFMayor
LFMayor's picture

No no.  Good things like that are not on First Lady Chewbacca's approved school menu list.  Pay your 1.50 for those whirled peas and dig in.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 15:29 | 4485873 Miffed Microbio...
Miffed Microbiologist's picture

You aren't kidding. A parent from our local public high school complained to me they were tossing huge amounts of food since this mandate. I told her to please bring it to me and I'll feed it to my chickens. She gave me a garbage can full of just jicama sticks! Even my birds couldn't eat all that. Absolute insanity.


Fri, 02/28/2014 - 01:22 | 4487800 Casey Stengel
Casey Stengel's picture


You sound just like Mrs. Stengel. She is always saying, oh my chickens would love to eat that. She was very fond of her gold comets.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 14:43 | 4485630 greyghost
greyghost's picture

my point exactly superflex.......just pure greed!

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 16:40 | 4486127 Panem et Circus
Panem et Circus's picture

With a comment like that... I wonder...

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 14:52 | 4485687 I Drink Your Mi...
I Drink Your Milkshake's picture

My thoughts exactly.

I can buy a half kilo of fine black tip Assam a for $7 and probably make 120 liters of iced tea.

And that chili cheese dog is probably nutria, gator and breadcrumbs with a polymer casing.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 15:23 | 4485842 johnQpublic
johnQpublic's picture

you might almost believe no one commenting on this had any idea what you have to charge to run a 'for profit' business


the beverage is always a high margin item, like a mixed drink as opposed to a draft beer

theres rent on th building, book keeping, payroll tax, gas , electric, phone, advertising

you fuck morons

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 15:47 | 4485938 superflex
superflex's picture

Beverages are the highest profit margin sector at any resturaunt.  Bar none.

Funny how McCalister's Deli (famous for Iced Tea) can sell you a 32 oz cup for $1.49 with free refills, but it's OK for this greedy fuck to charge $2.49 a glass with no free refills. (or did you miss the part at the top of the check where it says this was for one customer)?

Troll on little johnny.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 16:20 | 4486043 johnQpublic
johnQpublic's picture

i'm sure that was a misprint

have you ever seen the size of the sandwiches at that place?

no way you could choke down one of their giants ass chili dogs and a sandwich

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 16:41 | 4486135 johnQpublic
johnQpublic's picture

by the way

mon-fri its 99 cents for the tea from 11am to 4pm

and it says bottomless on the damn menu

get a computer

load 'google'

it is a search engine

look for porn first unti you refine your search engine skills

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 16:51 | 4486166 IrritableBowels
IrritableBowels's picture


Thu, 02/27/2014 - 15:51 | 4485953 Zymurguy
Zymurguy's picture

At least you have a choice in the matter when it comes to this restaurant - don't like it, don't fucking go and you don't have to pay it.  He was very transparent about the increased taxation.

Can't say so much for the Obamacare.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 19:12 | 4486769 Bytor325
Bytor325's picture

what are you going to pay your employees?

where does the money for your business permits come from?

what magic pixie flies in after dark to pay for employee benefits?

who pays your accountant to make sure you've paid the proper taxes?

how much do you pay ADP or another payroll admin service?

who cuts your grass and maintains your grounds for free?

do you work in the dark or do you actually use electricity?

Air is in FLA. or do you have a sherpa with a box of ice and a big fan?

yeah, you keep making your 5 cent tea..........

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 18:09 | 4486472 Bokkenrijder
Bokkenrijder's picture

Sjeesh! People here get exited about 20 cents? And that in a country where people expect (!) you to pay at leats 15% extra for some dude/chick serving you a burger, because the true cost of labour is not written on the restaurant bill? Hmmm, although I'm far from a socialist, a few things don't make sense.

What's the true cost of money? Many here would say that interest rates are too low.

What's the true cost of gold? Again, many here would say it's too low.

Now what's the true cost of labour?

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 18:37 | 4486613 John_Coltrane
John_Coltrane's picture

Answer to all your questions about price:  The law of supply and demand sets the price.  That's why you need markets.  If the price is too high there aren't enough buyers so they have to lower their price, or other suppliers will step up and offer a lower price.  And vice-versa.  See how wonderful and efficient markets are (as opposed to cartels like the government and banks and insurance companies)

And what is "fair"-that illogical progressive phrase used to replace reason and thought in any economic argument?  Answer:  Fair is set by the law of supply and demand.  Don't like my prices, don't like my offered wages, go fuck yourself or find a better offer!  Its freedom, get used to it.  And meanwhile you control freak central planners need to leave us liberatarians alone.  We don't need your advice or assistance.  We have ability, competence and personal responsibility.  We are superior to you in every way.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 13:29 | 4485236 Skateboarder
Skateboarder's picture

Or KMMMBP Charge, for Kenyan Marxist Muslim Man-Boy-Prezidentshall Charge.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 14:51 | 4485681 rubiconsolutions
rubiconsolutions's picture

Why don't they itemize what that $2.50 soda costs them?

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 13:27 | 4485216 Skateboarder
Skateboarder's picture

Wake me up when 1% becomes 10% out of necessity. Then you're looking at some serious taxflation.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 13:56 | 4485389 fockewulf190
Thu, 02/27/2014 - 13:27 | 4485220 seek
seek's picture

The other restaurant has the same charge, they're just not documenting it on the bill.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 13:54 | 4485374 ebworthen
ebworthen's picture

Local bling sheep herding corporate salt trough (Texas Roadhouse) used to advertise an early dinner special with a banner.

In 2009 it was $6.99

In 2011 it was $7.99

In 2013 it was $8.99

Yesterday I noticed they just changed it to $9.99.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 14:11 | 4485470 Mentaliusanything
Mentaliusanything's picture

Was that inflation " Seasonally Adjusted" or are you getting less on your plate and more on your card. just asking. 

Ok $3 in four years..10% per year.. rule 72.. in 3 years time its $13.99. Hows that minimum wage thing working out.

Im punched out

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 14:26 | 4485540 _ConanTheLibert...
_ConanTheLibertarian_'s picture

It was seasoned

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 14:32 | 4485559 DanDaley
DanDaley's picture

Learn to cook at home better than a restarurant, it's not that hard. The drinks are a lot less expensive and higher quality at home, too.


Lookat that dude's bill...2 stupid iced teas for 25% of the total bill. Hahahaha! 

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 14:41 | 4485608 CaptainObvious
CaptainObvious's picture

On those rare occasions that I eat out, I always have plain old water with my meal.  Drinks are where restaurants make their money.  You ever look at the price of a fucking mixed drink at a chain restaurant?  We're talking upwards of $8 for a goddamn cocktail that is half sugar syrup made from GMO corn, three eighths water, and one eighth alcohol. They give 'em cutesy names to justify the outrageous prices, but I'm not falling for that shit.

$2.49 for one glass of iced tea is fucking insane.  Fill a pitcher with water and set it out in the sun with a tea bag dangling in it.  It ain't rocket science, folks.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 15:03 | 4485749 Skateboarder
Skateboarder's picture

Don't forget to pick up a nice sixpack on the way home for 10 bucks and get six drinks instead of one.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 15:33 | 4485821 Sweet Chicken
Sweet Chicken's picture

The question is Leffe blonde or dark? Or perhaps a pint of Lu Fin Dumonde? 



Thu, 02/27/2014 - 16:56 | 4486187 Skateboarder
Skateboarder's picture

Strong ales or German Hefeweizens for me. :)

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 15:32 | 4485881 Sweet Chicken
Sweet Chicken's picture


Thu, 02/27/2014 - 15:45 | 4485933 Miffed Microbio...
Miffed Microbiologist's picture

I'm a bit naive about drink pricing because we rarely go out, we make all our own cocktails with homemade mixers and drink our friend's wine which we get for free for helping at harvest. This week at South Beach I damn near flipped to see a standard martini listed for $17 and a bottle of Silver Oak Cabernet for $250 a bottle ( had the exact same wine at home we bought for $50) People didn't seem to give a damn. I thought it obscene. There are many other things I'd rather spend my money that are a bit more lasting in pleasure and hold their value over time.


Thu, 02/27/2014 - 16:31 | 4486092 SmackDaddy
SmackDaddy's picture

I'm with you.  I wont pay those kind of prices out of principal.  Getting gouged upsets me most at family events and at ball games.  I'm always thinking, if everyone just refused to pay these prices we could have this fixed tomorrow.  I can never figure out how these people can afford it but I cant (household income 93%tile)  But, I've become really good at packing my own stuff when I can and stashing water bottles of Jim Beam in my pants.....

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 17:22 | 4486312 beercandad
beercandad's picture

Why don't you go and try to own & operate a restaurant --you sound like a real libfuck !!


Thu, 02/27/2014 - 21:36 | 4487194 vulcanraven
vulcanraven's picture

Yeah, it's easy for someone to talk shit when they have zero skin in the game.

Put your own money on the table then see how fast your attitude changes.

Profit is the reward derived from putting your capital at risk. If you can't stay profitable, your business goes belly up and you eat the loss. Unless of course you are part of "the club", in which case you have an endless punchbowl—courtesy of John Q. Public.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 16:23 | 4486055 SmackDaddy
SmackDaddy's picture

I dont care what anybody says.  Texas Roadhouse is by far the best value around here.  I've had better sirloins there than filets at outback.  Dont get me wrong, there nothing like a 12 oz rare cut of prime beef off of Ruth Chris' sizzling plate.  But for $50-60 out the door I can get 22 oz of sirloin (cooked to perfection), 2 salads, a loaded baked potato, loaded sweet potato, margarita and beer.  That and the rolls & cinnabutter and the peanuts, my family of four (two rugrats) leaves stuffed.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 16:58 | 4486198 IrritableBowels
IrritableBowels's picture

Do they "sing" happy birthday to patrons and play ridiculous toby keith/country twang-shit at Outback?

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 14:03 | 4485428 ParkAveFlasher
ParkAveFlasher's picture

I wonder if the suppliers to the restaurant have also buried the charge, which means $.20 is "just the tip" of the iceberg, given markup and so forth.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 15:16 | 4485808 BeansMcGreens
BeansMcGreens's picture

With all the ignorant comments  about this particular restaurant I can see most people do not understand the fact that any additional cost to do business is paid by the consumer. People need to understand that there is inflation, that delivery (fuel,tires, employees, insursances, fees) and other energy expenses are eventually passed right on down the line to the customer. You are correct, this is the tip of the iceberg. Greedy? I believe the article says that the restaurant wants to stay in business and keep its employees.

 And please note there were two ice teas because there were two different meals.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 15:32 | 4485888 RafterManFMJ
RafterManFMJ's picture


We keep for costs low by only eating US export chicken Chinese re-imported chicken.

Shipped 40 thousand miles around the world and then to our (card)table.

I warn the family to chew thoroughly, and beware of choking on dog collars.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 15:52 | 4485956 Miffed Microbio...
Miffed Microbiologist's picture

The scary part is that is cheaper than domestically raised animals. Pure insanity. I've got 15 meat birds coming in March. They will dress out less per pound than " natural" but I usually can't beat CAFO crap. But I don't pay the insane cost of USDA ,my labor isn't taxed,I trade butchering help for meat and my " approved entrail disposal" is local coyotes. Nothing says reality like pulling warm guts out of chickens.


Thu, 02/27/2014 - 18:11 | 4486484 Overfed
Overfed's picture

It's just scary enough that chicken from Arkansas can be shipped up here (FEMA region X) and sold cheaper than locally-sourced Foster Farms chicken.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 14:06 | 4485443 Greenskeeper_Carl
Greenskeeper_Carl's picture

exactly. i applaud this guy for doing it. Plenty of people saw this coming, warned about it, and won't be the least bit surprised. But hopefully this wakes a few people up. Nothing is ever 'free'. It always costs someone, and in this case it is everyone who pays taxes in this country, but mainly employers

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 13:29 | 4485227 Divided States ...
Divided States of America's picture

Gator's Dockside will be seeing a lot less customers starting today.

but maybe this actually makes American less fat because they have one less greasy food restaurant to go to.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 14:31 | 4485578 TBT or not TBT
TBT or not TBT's picture

Wrong, mostly. Rising food prices wil drive people to eat cheaper food. Cheaper food is made of carbohyrates, and carbohydrates dont provide the long lasting satiation that proteins and fats do. Part of the reason Americana are fatter now than in 1960 is "low fat" foods. Those had to be doctored up with more carbs and sweeteners that do not help at all with appetite, but do generate worse insulin spikes. Atop that, between the adoption of cheap vegetable oils loaded with pro-infammatory precursors, and adoption of feedlot feeding of our protein and dairy animals with grains loaded with the same omega-6 fatty acids, the composition of human fat has changed radically as a result. Greasy spoon places fry in oils humans shouldn't eat. Humans should stick to monounsaturated olive oil, avacado oil and the loke, butter Fat from grass fed dairy, coconut oil, or lard from grass fed animals. We did not evolve eating the sugar bomb carbs and surfeit of omega6 fatty acids that are abundant in grass seeds, which is what grains are.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 17:53 | 4486420 effendi
effendi's picture

The only reason that they might see less customers is that a portion of Obummer fanbois will be miffed that the chain is publicly embarrasing Obumercare and will boycott the place. 

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 16:19 | 4486037 ghengiskhan
ghengiskhan's picture

But bringing on the pain would be reasonable and we don't do that here.  We gloss it over and then cover it up.  The longer we follow this manipulative path more and more jobs disconnect from real value.  If we looked at the workforce from the perspective of real value I bet we would see at best 30%  of the jobs are connected to real productivity.  The rest are just part of the rube goldberg machine.  Picture the most ridiculous rube goldberg machine supplemented by people that have no understanding of the rest of the machine constantly modifying and expanding their section and you have the US financial system.  Every day the machine grows in scope and more and more productive people are drawn in to work on it.  This great dwindling of productivity will go on for a long time until everything of value is gone.  Famine will come.  Unrest will come.  Collapse will come but I doubt that very many of the people are worth saving when it is done.  Perhaps the earth will cull at that time.  I think we are lined up for ecological, biological and catclysmic natural disaster quite well.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 14:05 | 4485439 Translational Lift
Translational Lift's picture

You mean like gasoline........50% for the gasoline and 50% for state and Fed taxes.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 14:49 | 4485667 Almost Solvent
Almost Solvent's picture

Here in NY it's closer to 35% for the gas and 65% for the taxes.


And I love the $3.699 trick. I'm surprised Walfart hasn't started that racket - raise the price of every item in their chain instantly by one cent.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 18:36 | 4486609 Shitonya Serfs
Shitonya Serfs's picture

Yep. This is a perfect real-world example of how socialist economics works. It’s as clear as day that this person (micro version of those with means) is contributing payment for server’s healthcare. This should be on every newscast tonight and every paper tomorrow.

I say FUCKYO, pay for it yourself. Can’t afford insurance? Too bad. Don’t fuck Pablo the dishwasher and have to go to doctor. Brush and floss your gritty toofs. Stop smoking. Don’t get so many tattoos that you can’t get an office job (it’s not them being an asshole, it’s you being an idiot). Don’t go to University of Phoenix. Live in a shithole you can afford. Take public transit. Save your fucking money. Live within your means. Learn a skill that is worth something to someone or create your own business, while working as server.

Do this, then tell us all how fair it is for someone to take your money.



Thu, 02/27/2014 - 13:22 | 4485179 lordylord
lordylord's picture

Are you implying that people of the left are not generous with their own money?  They are sure as shit generous with mine.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 13:40 | 4485235 gmrpeabody
gmrpeabody's picture

I guess you followed my meaning, Lordy.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 14:33 | 4485582 TBT or not TBT
TBT or not TBT's picture

Oh, the racism!

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 13:28 | 4485233 El Oregonian
El Oregonian's picture

Shut it down! You do not reward criminal laws and unconstitutional laws with illegal taxation.


Thu, 02/27/2014 - 13:31 | 4485250 gmrpeabody
gmrpeabody's picture

But El..., outside of D.C. and maybe San Francisco, you live in the belly of the beast.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 13:53 | 4485370 HyBrasilian
HyBrasilian's picture

pork bellies... I KNEW IT!

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 13:34 | 4485259 monad
monad's picture

The left don't tip. They are entitled to your best service.

That's not tipping baby, that's returning to you a fraction of your stolen property.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 13:25 | 4485200 Stoploss
Stoploss's picture

1 ACA surcharge coming up.  Oooh, i shall consult the book of numerical recipes for this one...

Thanks Gators..

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 22:31 | 4487387 TheReplacement
TheReplacement's picture

Since it is more likely that they voted for Obama, yeah, less tips.  It's the same concept when the police or firemen's unions call with their constant charity drive.  "Sorry but since you union types worked so effectively to elect the tyrant my taxes have gone up too much for me to be able to contribute like I have in the past.  Voting has consequences."

Sure the tip thing is just a reasoned guess but a note explaining it, like above, should at least educate them on why even if they didn't vote for the guy.

This is not an endorsement of Romney.  In my opinion he was the less of two evils.  Sometimes less is better.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 13:16 | 4485140 TeamDepends
TeamDepends's picture

That's Michelle O's brunch order.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 14:39 | 4485606 Bonapartist
Bonapartist's picture

"light" snack- before the main course of taxpayer funded lobster and crab legs

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 13:21 | 4485171 LibertyBear
LibertyBear's picture

Yum, GMO's and Growth Hormones.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 13:56 | 4485391 ILLILLILLI
ILLILLILLI's picture

I'll have mine with a side of glysophate...!

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 13:55 | 4485178 astoriajoe
astoriajoe's picture

"Look at what that dude is eating.  His ACA charge should be higher. "

That's phase 2. don't worry, its coming.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 13:23 | 4485184 oklaboy
oklaboy's picture

it's funny now, but wait till they implenet the "fat tax". it is closer than you think.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 14:43 | 4485632 TBT or not TBT
TBT or not TBT's picture

There is one fat tax I might celebrate If they'd tax the shit out of cheap vegetable oils that are loaded with inhuman levels of inflammation stoking omega6 fatty acids, that would drop our nations medical costs and extend the productivity of most people you see. The packaged food industry and the Dept of Agriculture and their overlords would prevent such a thing even exiting committee. It's also a windfall for hospitals, drug companies, heart and diabetes specialists. Fills up the elderly care facilities with older people who would not otherwise need such services.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 22:34 | 4487393 TheReplacement
TheReplacement's picture

What is a realistic alternative?  People like food fried in oil.

You complain about the cost to the rest of us as a reason to justify policing what people eat by means of taxes.  Well mein fuhrer, how about we just stop paying for their failures?  We'd all be better off in the long run and your types won't have your fingers in every facet of our lives.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 13:41 | 4485291 ebworthen
ebworthen's picture


Chili cheese dog and fried food speakeasy's in the future; dens of greasy salty deliciousness.  No nutritional information posted, beer and liquor available.

They'll have lighters without safety devices, real tobacco you can smoke inside, and Women with pubic hair.  Occasional fist fights with bare knuckles and no helmets, and no T.V.'s (people will talk).

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 13:56 | 4485392 More_sellers_th...
More_sellers_than_buyers's picture

Count me in

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 14:36 | 4485596 DadzMad
DadzMad's picture

"and Women with pubic hair"

Whew!  Good to know I'm not the only one.  I thought I was weird or something.....

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 19:48 | 4486885 SmackDaddy
SmackDaddy's picture

well it looks weird bald, so i prefer the landing strip

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 16:00 | 4485988 swmnguy
swmnguy's picture

Hey, the guy had them hold the bun on the chili cheese dog.  That's healthy, right?

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 13:49 | 4485352 Republi-Ken
Republi-Ken's picture

COMRADE TYLER. A whole 20 Cents. It will destroy us all. LOL.

And you got it wrong COMRADE TYLER,

4 Million canceled were mostly Junk Insurance policies.

Obamacare bans any sale of "junk insurance" with "swiss cheese coverage".

And 75% of these folks bought a full coverage policy and paid less.

And paid less.


Thu, 02/27/2014 - 13:57 | 4485396 max2205
max2205's picture

And those who have to pay 2,000 per month to get ACA won't be happy

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 14:01 | 4485416 More_sellers_th...
More_sellers_than_buyers's picture

Can you hear yourself type? Idiot! US Restaurant sales last year....683.4 billion.  so 6.834 billion out of our pockets for what? Its because of Assholes like you that cant do math we are in this shit ass economy.  You should run for senate.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 15:41 | 4485923 saints51
saints51's picture

Please, Do not inspire this mother fucker!!!!!

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 14:11 | 4485472 RSloane
RSloane's picture

Yeah, because its vitallly important that aging nuns have prenatal care coverage and men without families should pay for post-natal care. The rest of your post reads like a thoughtless propaganda burst from HuffPo.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 19:56 | 4486916 SmackDaddy
SmackDaddy's picture

the fucking nuns?  when the catholic chuch starts paying income taxes and stops using our bankruptcy laws to avoid settling child-fucking lawsuits, this argument might have a shred of merit.

And to all the single guys who havent raised children who will help them in old age and dont want to contribute anything into the system:  that's fine, but dont expect me to give a fuck when you inevitably come asking for help

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 21:10 | 4487123 John_Coltrane
John_Coltrane's picture

But I bet he really likes and needs the newly mandated mental health coverage.  Libtards are very big on this aspect as they may sense, at least subliminally, that they are completely nuts and should definately be committed (to the deep ocean that is).

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 14:20 | 4485511 Mentaliusanything
Mentaliusanything's picture

And the smaller upfront hides the huge co pay.. did you never play shell games. keep your eye on the target pea ..... hint its you. Fuck me you have the brains of a Smashed Crab

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 14:34 | 4485588 Parabox
Parabox's picture

Didnt you get the memo?  Obama specifically ordered those "Junk" policies be reinstated.  That the insurance companies wouldnt is even more telling.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 14:43 | 4485633 Strom
Strom's picture

Obama can't just tell a company or organization to ignore a law that is in-force*. The insurance companies are following the law.


* Does not apply to government agencies.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 15:46 | 4485937 Parabox
Parabox's picture

Agreed.  But it didnt stop him from doing it anyways.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 14:52 | 4485679 CaptainObvious
CaptainObvious's picture

Fuck you with a jagged metal dildo, you cocksucking government-paid troll.  My wife had perfectly good insurance that didn't have any so-called "swiss cheese holes" and it got cancelled because her employer couldn't keep his doors open and pay for the new, improved, twice as costly insurance for his employees.  My wife was upset to lose her insurance, but didn't blame her employer because she'd rather have a job and no insurance than suck on the gubmint teat like anybody else would for "free" health insurance and unemployment benefits.  She's funny like that...all into personal responsibility and suchlike.

We're going to pay the penalty, which is a pittance next to how much insurance costs through da gubmint exchange, and save the difference to pay for any health care expenses she might incur. 

I can't post this link often enough:

If my wife needs any surgery, these are the guys who will get her business.  Not some bloated institution that charges 100K for a hernia operation because the insurance will pay for it.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 15:00 | 4485723 LFMayor
LFMayor's picture

I think we have found the "up is go" button for you, my friend.   We need to get this "republi ken" asshole some nationwide exposure.  Couple days of that idiocy crammed down peoples maws and we'll show those beaners in Venezuela what a real fucking riot looks like.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 18:34 | 4486598 kareninca
kareninca's picture

Captain Obvious, please read my long post at the end of this thread, and make sure that you don't get "put" onto Medicaid without your consent.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 20:10 | 4486958 CaptainObvious
CaptainObvious's picture

I read it, and it won't ever apply to me because I won't ever apply for gubmint insurance.  Nor will my wife. 

I know all about gubmint clawbacks, because I watched as my parents struggled with their state taking my grandmother's entire estate to pay for an eighteen month stay in a nursing home.

I have told my wife to not ever put me in a nursing home.  I'd sooner eat a bullet and leave her and the kids something to live on.  I recommend everyone else avoid nursing homes at all costs, and to make sure to put it in writing in your living will.  Nursing homes, and elder care in general, is the biggest scam going.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 21:29 | 4487179 HyBrasilian
HyBrasilian's picture



Just so I kno... are you, basically, the same kareninca that I knew once upon a time? [from the 'oh so cool' daily threads when we all thought 'MARKETS' meant something]?...

I'm CV... of 'Lynn' fame, or Andy T, B22, & most important, AmenRa, etc... ~ [if your CORTEX is unable to reference the idea]... Just curious...

That way ~ It's still between US...



Fri, 02/28/2014 - 03:15 | 4487915 kareninca
kareninca's picture

Nope, different karen. I am flattered to have brought up such fond memories.

End of post, so I don't freak out my husband, haha.

Fri, 02/28/2014 - 03:12 | 4487914 kareninca
kareninca's picture

CaptainObvious, I know that I am being repetitive, but be sure that you read it well enough to see that you can be PUT on Medicaid, even if you explicitly refuse.  You can be put on Medicaid against your will.  Read the WSJ article that I linked.  It doesn't matter if you "won't ever apply for government insurance," if they simply put you on it.

I agree with you about nursing homes.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 15:11 | 4485786 Hopeless for Change
Hopeless for Change's picture

"And 75% of these folks..." 

Barry, is that you?  Or just one of your mindless followers using the word "folks" like you love to.   

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 18:31 | 4486576 kareninca
kareninca's picture

Obamacare banned the sale of junk insurance????!!!!

You asshole.  I guess you mean that a costly Humana policy that doesn't cover basic cancer meds, isn't "junk insurance:"

from the article:  read the whole thing, you evil creep:








Oh, I forgot.  Harry Reid is saying that these stories are "all made up."  Guess the WSJ doesn't do fact checking.


Thu, 02/27/2014 - 22:36 | 4487411 TheReplacement
TheReplacement's picture

Why do men need better maternity coverage and things like that?

You be da comrade you NSA prick.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 13:49 | 4485353 Republi-Ken
Republi-Ken's picture


And you got it wrong COMRADE TYLER,

4 Million canceled were mostly Junk Insurance policies.



And paid less.


Thu, 02/27/2014 - 14:15 | 4485492 krispkritter
krispkritter's picture

You just proved you are twice as stupid as we thought...congrats.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 14:27 | 4485542 Overfed
Overfed's picture

Fuck you, Republi-Ken. I only want catastrophic coverage. It used to be cheaper for me to just pay for office visits, tests, and prescriptions out of pocket. I don't need birth control, maternity care or a minimum number of "wellness checks". Take this O'bomb-a-care bullshit and shove it, Valerie Jarret, Cass Sunstein, and the wookie, up your ass!

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 14:54 | 4485695 CaptainObvious
CaptainObvious's picture

It's not often that I get to red someone twice for the same chronically stupid words.  Thanks to the double posting gremlin for this! ;)

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 13:58 | 4485405 thamnosma
thamnosma's picture

C'mon now, he ordered the chili cheese dog without bread...

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 14:16 | 4485480 1fortheroad
1fortheroad's picture

Yea but $6.95 for a Chile cheese dog, that's outrageous. And $2.49 for ice tea?

Are these normal prices in the States? 

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 14:29 | 4485562 Cacete de Ouro
Cacete de Ouro's picture

And the correct spelling is 'cheque' not 'check'

Just sayin'

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 15:05 | 4485758 Ness.
Ness.'s picture

You better cheque your attitude at the door, a-me-go.  This here is Murica... we eat chilli dogs and whiskey for breakfast, and when we're done, we pay the CHECK with a credit card.



Thu, 02/27/2014 - 18:34 | 4486599 Cacete de Ouro
Cacete de Ouro's picture


Thu, 02/27/2014 - 19:01 | 4486625 Cacete de Ouro
Cacete de Ouro's picture

Talk about touchy ..
