Tipping. It's the little social contract that lives at the end of every restaurant meal. But studies show, it's not just about the service. There are hidden psychological levers that subconsciously influence tipping behavior. Here are six science-backed insights that can help turn good service into generous gratuity.

Psychological anchors are powerful influences over our decisions and perceptions. They are everywhere and we rarely even notice them.

Hospitality is typically about perfection. But there is a way to break the rules in the right way. Benign violation theory is a quirky, science-backed concept from humor psychology that shows how a dash of the unexpected can turn ordinary moments into unforgettable experiences.

At Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG) restaurants, hospitality is not just a service—it’s a psychological experience.

Fonts are silent storytellers. They set the tone, evoke emotions, and communicate the restaurant’s personality before you even read a word.

Negative restaurant reviews— a manager's nightmare, right? Not always. Savvy restaurateurs use psychology to create marketing opportunities.

No restaurateur enjoys negative reviews. But one restaurant discovered the power of a thoughtful response.

Does what we hear change how we taste? Science says YES! Flavor perception is multi-sensory. Sound can enhance or diminish what we taste.

Do you think retailers have the power to prime your brain? More likely than not, it happened the last time you went to the grocery store.

Understanding the power of the peak-end effect empowers hospitality businesses to create memorable guest experiences.

Social proof shows up in every aspect of our behavior and decisions. What other people say, think and do are powerful motivators.

From the menu to the music to the server, the brain begins tasting the food long before it even reaches the lips.

Customers value the experience more than the brand. When that experience is personal, it's more meaningful and memorable.

Everything we read in in print or online is influenced by the font we see much like music in a film. Typography is what language feels like.

The simple act of tasting wine is anything but simple. Everything from background music to the sound of the cork pop influence the taste.

"Words Matter" is more than a catchy tagline. The words we speak, hear, & read physically and chemically change the way the brain functions.