TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — 8 On Your Side received a statement from Three Oaks Hospitality regarding the “venue” fee charged at all of their restaurants.
The company said it is to “support operational costs, including facilities, equipment, and overhead.”
Additional surcharge at Tampa restaurant surprises customers, parent company says its a ‘venue fee’
8 On Your Side started investigating after concerns were brought up by neighbors on the Nextdoor app regarding a fee that appeared in their checks at “RO.”
It was not listed as a credit card fee nor was it specified on the establishment’s menu.
“We have proactively disclosed our 3% venue fee on our website, reflecting compliance with regulatory standards,” Three Oaks Hospitality said.
Ro Modern Asian restaurant in Tampa (WFLA)
We wanted to see if the charge is now noted on their menu too, but we weren’t allowed to.
“We are committed to full transparency, ensuring guests are informed about all charges associated with their dining experience,” a representative for Three Oaks said.
8 On Your Side took a look at their webpage where they claim to have the notification it was there but at the bottom of the page.
“Not acceptable, I shouldn’t have to look at your web page when I’m in your restaurant, and there’s a menu in front of me,” said Christina Lambert, a Hyde Park visitor.
Starting July 1, Section 3 of the 2025 Florida state law SB 606, not be confused with 2026’s SB 606 on drowning prevention, goes into effect.
It states “every public food service establishment which charges an operations charge, includes an automatic gratuity or service charge in the price of the meal shall include a notice on the food menu, written contract, and website or mobile application where food and beverage orders are placed.”
Some residents are looking forward to seeing that law take effect.
“I feel like if you’re trying to be transparent about anything, which every business, especially restaurant, should be, it should be fine print everywhere,” said Karla Alvarez, who was visiting Hyde Park. “It shouldn’t just be at the bottom of a web page.”
Three Oaks Hospitality told us that they will be posting the surcharge on their menu starting July 1, when the law takes effect.
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