The gratuity charge when the party consists of numerous individuals who may or may not discuss the total bill and tip appropriately is necessary to protect the interest of those serving the party. However, when it is clearly a family (as in this case) in which one of two responsible adults will be paying the bill and will, hopefully, make an appropriate tip, it is ridiculous that they would charge a set gratuity.

More concerning is the fact that they did not tell you they were going to charge a set gratuity - had you known, you might have left it as it was equal to what you would have tipped anyway. But 30% is excessive, and I imagine in a family of 8, money is a precious commodity.

I hope that Pizza Hut responds to your complaint, and that the management of this branch specifically will be addressed.