Times Are Tough, So this Waffle House is Charging an Extra 20% for Security

A Waffle House in downtown Atlanta is charging customers an extra 20 percent to cover the cost of hiring extra security.

“We want to ensure the safety of our employees and customers. In an effort to be proactive we are being upfront and adding a 20% surcharge to help offset the cost of private security,” explained Pat Warner, Waffle House Vice President.

The restaurant is located in a high-crime area, with the cost of off-duty Atlanta police officers costing the Waffle House $160,000 a year, according to Warner.

While some customers welcome the extra protection, others have been known to walk out upon being informed of the extra charge.

“I’ve been cussed at,” stated Quintonia Colbert, a waitress at the restaurant. Colbert also lamented that the surcharge has caused customers to give smaller tips or none at all.

According to the company, this is the only Waffle House in the country that has a “20% property management surcharge.” Business Insider notes that while other Waffle Houses also have security guards, “they don’t charge customers an additional fee.”

H/T Business Insider, CBS