Do People Really Tip Sonic Car Hops?

It’s a question as old as time itself (or at least as old as drive-in restaurants): do you tip Sonic car hops? In our tech-savvy world where even coffee shops have tip jars for contactless payments, it’s easy to overthink tipping etiquette. But don’t worry, we’re here to break down the ins and outs of tipping at Sonic.

[image-1|sonic-carhop-serving-food|Sonic carhop delivering food to a car window|A friendly Sonic carhop smiles as they hand a tray of food to a customer in their car. The iconic Sonic drive-in sign is visible in the background.]

To Tip or Not to Tip: That is the Question

Here’s the short answer: yes, it is customary to tip your Sonic carhop. While they aren’t serving you tableside like a traditional waiter or waitress, they are still providing a service that goes beyond simply handing you your food.

Why Tipping Matters at Sonic

Think about what your carhop does: they take your order, often dealing with finicky ordering systems and special requests. They prepare your drinks, gather your food, and deliver it to your car with a smile (hopefully!). They might even sing you a song while they’re at it!

[image-2|sonic-carhop-taking-order|Sonic carhop taking an order at the drive-in intercom|A Sonic carhop leans out of their stand and smiles as they take a customer’s order through the drive-in intercom system.]

“Remember, these carhops are often working for minimum wage, just like many restaurant servers,” says Emily Post’s great-great-granddaughter, Lizzie Post, co-president of the Emily Post Institute and co-host of the podcast “Awesome Etiquette.” “Tips make up a significant portion of their income.”

How Much Should You Tip?

Now that we’ve established that you should tip, let’s talk about how much. A good rule of thumb is to tip at least 15-20% of your total bill, just as you would at a sit-down restaurant. However, you can always tip more if you feel the service was exceptional or if you ordered a large and complicated meal.

Other Ways to Show Appreciation

If you’re short on cash, there are other ways to show your appreciation for your Sonic carhop:

• Be kind and respectful: A little courtesy goes a long way.
• Clean up after yourself: Don’t leave your trash all over the parking lot.
• Leave a positive review online: This helps the carhop and the restaurant.

[image-3|customer-tipping-sonic-carhop|Customer handing a tip to a Sonic carhop|A customer smiles as they hand a tip to a Sonic carhop, who is holding a tray of food and drinks.]

The Bottom Line

Tipping your Sonic carhop is a small gesture that can make a big difference. It’s a way to acknowledge their hard work and ensure they’re fairly compensated for their service. So next time you’re craving a SuperSonic Double Cheeseburger and tots, remember to bring a little extra cash for the carhop!