“Due to the rising costs of doing business in this location, including costs associated with higher minimum wage rates, a 3% surcharge has been added to your bill.”

Thanks to Brian for sending from Oceanaire.

“this seems odd…instead of raising the price of the food, they charge a hidden tax that shows up on bill”

Update from the Washington Post (from a “statement from Tim Whitlock, senior vice president of operations and chief operating officer of the Oceanaire”):

“In response to recent feedback, we have chosen to remove this surcharge effective immediately and will explore more traditional means to address the industry’s rising costs, such as raising menu prices.”