I understand automatic gratuities at REGULAR restaurants (as opposed to irregular ;) restaurants, such as pizza places). AT a regular restaurant, eight people means eight orders, eight plates (or more), meaning extra trips to the table. But a large family at a pizza place shouldn't have to pay an automatic tip at all.

I agree with the person who said this might be a local policy. It's just different with pizza places: They give you your pops, your pizza, and their work is done until you leave (most pizza places seem to have customer refill stations for beverages).

But huh? six foster kids 5 and under? Kids that little are taken from their birth parents only for the most DIRE of circumstances. You're a frickin' saint. AND you took them out for pizza? You sound like a great mom. I hope the kids have wonderful memories of the foster parents who took them out for pizza.

I'm not religious, but my goodness, I hope God looks out for you and your husband and child, and those little ones. Your child is likely gaining an amazing sense of compassion and "there but for the grace of God go I." None of us chose our parents, so most of us are lucky that, well, we got who we got (my parents were/are greate).

Best of luck to you. I hope Pizza Hut sends some coupons for free 'za for your large family!!