Surprise charges at the table? You’re not alone.

 If you've dined out recently and noticed a strange new fee tacked onto your check (perhaps something like a “temporary inflation fee”) you’re not imagining things. More restaurants are quietly passing rising costs onto customers in the form of add-on charges. The big question is: is this even allowed? And more importantly, what can you do about it?

If you spot an unexpected fee on your receipt, you’re well within your rights to ask questions. In fact, you should. (iStock)

It’s Legal, But That Doesn’t Mean It’s Right

Let’s start with the legality. Restaurants can add fees like “inflation surcharges” to your bill, as long as they disclose them clearly in advance. The problem? That fine print isn’t always front and center. Often, it’s tucked away in small text at the bottom of a menu or a small placard near the register that most people never read.

 

This lack of transparency can make the added fees feel like a bait-and-switch. You budget for dinner based on the prices you see, but the final bill creeps up with charges you didn’t expect.

 

It’s legal, yes. But it’s also frustrating.

Why Restaurants Are Doing This in the First Place

The reason behind these new fees is rooted in a double-whammy facing the food service industry:

  • Rising supply costs: Everything from cooking oil to chicken wings costs more than it did a few years ago.
  • Labor shortages: Many restaurants are operating short-staffed, which either drives up wages or stretches existing employees too thin.

Rather than hike up menu prices (which can turn off customers), some restaurant owners are choosing to add surcharges, often labeled as “temporary” or “inflation-based”, to offset the strain.

 

From a business perspective, it’s a survival tactic. But from a consumer standpoint, it often feels sneaky.

What You Can, and Should, Do About It

If you spot an unexpected fee on your receipt, you’re well within your rights to ask questions. In fact, you should.

Here are a few tips to protect yourself next time you dine out:

  • Scan the menu for disclaimers. Look at the bottom or back of the menu for notices about additional fees or surcharges.
  • Ask before you order. If you're unsure whether the listed prices are final, ask your server.
  • Dispute fees that weren’t disclosed. If you truly weren’t made aware of the surcharge, speak up. In some cases, managers will remove the charge as a courtesy.
  • Leave a review. Transparency is key. If a restaurant consistently charges hidden fees, other customers deserve to know. A respectful online review can help.
From a business perspective, surcharges are a survival tactic. But from a consumer standpoint, it feels sneaky. (iStock)

Takeaway: Expect Higher Prices, But Not Hidden Ones

We all know inflation is affecting nearly every part of life right now, from gas to groceries to your favorite Friday night meal. But there’s a difference between understanding why prices rise and being okay with hidden costs you never agreed to.

 

Ultimately, it’s your money and your decision on where to spend it. So go ahead and enjoy a night out, but bring your curiosity and a dose of caution to the table, too.