Now more than ever, it seems customers are getting asked to leave a tip at the end of purchases. Often, it’s being asked of people in places that don’t traditionally ask for tips. 

One business owner took that issue out of the equation completely and sparked debate with its ‘no tipping’ policy on whether or not tipping is good or bad for workers. 

Cheryl Mignone owns Cheryl’s Bagels in Bountiful, serving fresh “New York Style” style bagels from Tuesday through Saturday. 

Originally from the East Coast, she opened the doors last year after running the business out of her home for two years during the pandemic. Her need for the East Coast-style bagel led her to bring them home. Prior to the pandemic, Mignone said she would visit New Jersey and bring back suitcases full of bagels for herself and her family. Once the lockdown went into place, though, she had to find another way. So, she decided to take matters into her own hands. 

“With too much time on my hands from COVID, while everyone else was making sourdough, I taught myself how to make bagels,” Mignone said. “And one thing led to another and I had an accidental business.”

Soon after she opened the doors to Mignone’s Bagels, she took to social media to explain why she doesn’t allow tips in her business. She posted several reasons as to why she doesn’t feel the need to ask for tips. 

One of her reasons is, “It annoys me when I am at a ‘grab and go’ establishment and I am met with the ‘tip screen,’ and depending upon my mood I either feel annoyed or guilty. And, I think if I feel this way, I am sure others do.” 

She ended her post with a few ways she does accept “tips,” some of them being leaving a Google review, sharing her store on your social media, telling others about her shop, and being a repeat customer. 

The “no tips allowed” policy started because she would feel personally obligated when she picked food up at the counter and was asked how much she wanted to tip. She recognized that this doesn’t work for all businesses, but it works for hers. 

Since the opening of her restaurant, Mignone said she has seen immense support from community members. Being a small business, she loves the amount of support she receives from her customers. 

“One of the great pleasures is that we have regular customers who we have gotten to know, and have been able to share in the joys of marriages, births, and be supportive of the sad times when family members pass,” she said. “My customers look out for me and my staff, and we look out for them.”

In the future, Mignone does hope to expand her business and share her bagels with the entirety of Utah, not just the Bountiful community. 

“It isn’t just about bagels, it is about connection and a sense of belonging,” Mignone said.