I filed a compliant to the BBB regarding Taisho's business conduct. Below is my complaint and experience there:

On December 27th, 2008 I went to Taisho Japanese Restaurant for the lunch all-you-can-eat sushi. I was with a party of 3 and the price for lunch all-you-can-eat was about $15 per person before tax and tip. When we finished and asked for the bill, the bill came with the total crossed out with pen. Handwritten below was: "Gratuity 18% = $56.88".

I believe this is dishonest and bad business practice for several reasons:
1. It was only a party of 3
2. The menu never mentioned nor was I informed at any time by the server of a mandatory gratuity
3. The mandatory gratuity of 18% is beyond the norm of 15% and excessive
4. I was charged the 18% gratuity on the AFTER tax amount rather than the BEFORE tax amount

As I was in a rush to leave, I did not have the time to go up to the manager and voice my concern. Since the incident happened I have done some research online. I found that, according to more than one review at "DineHere.ca" (an online site to comment on restaurants), Taisho has a habit of committing this dishonest practice. One review stated that he did question the manager for a reason and the manager replied, "It's the holiday season."

While charging a mandatory gratuity is entirely within their right (nevermind the fact that it is excessive to start with), it is also their moral and ethical obligation that such a gratuity is stated prior to service and food being served.