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DeKalb County restaurant patron calls for transparency after surprise fee added to tab

The customer questions how much is too much when dining at a restaurant.

A recent outing to Katch Kitchen and Bar in Tucker left local resident Dramaine Smith with more than just a full stomach – it left him questioning the transparency of dining establishments.

Smith, an insurance broker and tax franchise consultant, recounted his experience at Katch to 11Alive's Karys Belger, expressing his surprise when he noticed an unexpected charge on his bill.

"We went out to Katch, it's a restaurant around the corner from my office, in Tucker," Smith said. "I looked at the receipt, and there was a band fee and entertainment band fee, and I was like, that's a little weird."

According to Smith, an additional $20 was tacked onto his total bill for the evening, prompting him to seek clarification from the restaurant staff.

In response to inquiries from 11Alive, a spokesperson for Katch explained that a $10 charge per person is customary when live performers are featured at the establishment, intended to defray associated costs. This practice, the spokesperson emphasized, is becoming increasingly common as restaurants grapple with rising operational expenses.

A recent report from the National Restaurant Association underscores the challenges faced by the industry, with 98% of operators citing higher labor costs, 97% noting increased food expenses, and 38% reporting unprofitable operations in the previous year.

While acknowledging the necessity for businesses to adapt to financial pressures, a representative from the Georgia Restaurant Association emphasized the importance of transparency in disclosing such fees to patrons.

However, for Smith, the issue extends beyond mere financial implications.

"Why do I have to pay for the entertainment in a restaurant where y'all can just book the band upfront and we just enjoy it?" Smith questioned. "It'd be a pleasant surprise when you walk in instead of a charge or a fee."

Despite the unexpected charge, Smith remains undeterred from dining out but hopes to see greater clarity from restaurants regarding additional fees in the future.

"You're looking to have fun. So you don't want to have to be constantly looking for extra fees to be on your receipt," he remarked.

In response to queries about informing patrons, an employee at Katch informed 11Alive that they do disclose the band fee to guests when reservations are made. However, Smith contends that he was not made aware of the charge upon being seated, despite lacking a reservation.

As diners navigate an evolving restaurant landscape, the debate over transparency in pricing looks set to continue.

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