Went to Avanti last Saturday for my daughters birthday. Everything was fantastic. We had 5 adults and 3 children at the table. When the bill arrived, the server hand wrote in a 20% tip. I understand some restaurants have this policy for large parties but have never come across the tip being hand written and totaled for you and 20% is the highest percentage I have come across to date. It was strange to me and did not sit well so I decided to call and ask what the policy is. The man who answered said they do not have a policy where they ever include gratuity - I clarified "Even with large parties?" He confirmed. I then explained the experience we had and he back pedaled.. "Oh yes, large parties, that is our policy."
It's unfortunate, because everything was great - we were planning on going for Mother's Day brunch but now we will not return. My husband and I come from the restaurant industry and would have tipped over 20% for sure and I can't help but wonder if the fact that we were a table of African Americans had anything to do with this.