Kim Bartmann Restaurants Add Service Charge UPDATED

Beginning July 28 Barbette, Bryant Lake Bowl, Pat’s Tap, Red Stag Supperclub, Tiny Diner and The Bird will include a three percent service charge to every customer’s checks. The fee is meant to offset the rising cost of healthcare which the restaurants, all owned by Kim Bartmann.

Health and dental benefits have been a part of being a Bartmann employees since 1993. Employees cover 30 percent of the premium and the restaurant picks up the rest.

Bartmann makes the argument that the restaurants could raise prices or pass on the cost through the planned fee.

In a statement Bartmann said, “We want to continue to take care of our staff and provide great food and experiences to our guests. To do that and be successful, I think we’ll all have to get used to service charges.”

This is the first such charge to start appearing on bills since the Minneapolis City Council passed a new $15 minimum wage.

UPDATE: A previous version of this story stated employees who opt for health benefit coverage paid 50% of their deductible. Representatives for Bartmann had provided that number in error. The correct amount is 30%.

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