How the Ultra-Rich Split the Bill at Restaurants

Introduction: Dining with the ultra-rich often involves unique and interesting ways of handling the bill. Unlike the rest of us, they have their own set of methods for sharing the cost, reflecting their lifestyles, social norms, and the overall context of the meal.

Common Approaches of the Ultra-Rich in Splitting the Bill

When very wealthy individuals dine together, the manner in which they split the bill can vary widely based on personal preferences, social norms, and the context of the meal. Here are some common approaches, based on interviews with insiders and decades of observation:

One Person Pays

One of the most common practices among the ultra-rich is for one person to cover the entire bill. This method is often seen, especially if they invited others or are celebrating a special occasion. Many social settings, whether formal or informal, adhere to this practice where a host or one of the guests picks up the tab.

Splitting Evenly

In some cases, the group may choose to split the bill evenly among all diners. This method is straightforward and avoids any awkwardness about who owes what. While this approach can be seen in more casual settings, the ultra-rich may prefer it for simplicity and fairness.

Itemized Splitting

For individuals of great means, paying for their own meals can be more common, especially if there are significant differences in what each person ordered. This approach is more common in a casual setting and reflects the personalized nature of their dining habits.

Take Turns Paying

Friends or associates of the ultra-rich may take turns paying for meals over time, creating a sense of reciprocity without keeping strict accounts. This method reflects the deep interpersonal connections and shared experiences among these groups.

Using a Bill-Splitting App

In a more modern context, some might use apps to split the bill digitally, especially if the group is large or the calculations are complex. This approach provides a practical and efficient solution, blending tradition with technology.

Ultimately, the method chosen often reflects the relationships among the diners and the norms of their social circles. For the ultra-rich, the priority is often maintaining good relationships over strict financial arrangements, leading to more flexible and informal approaches to bill-splitting.

Observations from Personal Experience

As a server at a five-star hotel and golf club for a decade, I have never seen the ultra-rich splitting the bill in the same way as the average person. It goes against the social norms and etiquette of their world. The wealthy tend to maintain a level of prestige and discretion when it comes to financial matters in public settings.

For instance, I dated a very wealthy man with a steady group of six close friends. During their golf trips, when the check came, they would engage in friendly and sometimes playful gambling to determine who would pay. They would play games like 'liar's poker' and bet on the number of steaks sold that night. Although it seems extravagant, it made for an memorable and entertaining end to the night. The total bill was usually around $2,000.

In conclusion, while the methods of bill-splitting among the ultra-rich may seem unconventional to the rest of us, they are deeply rooted in the social norms and values of their lifestyle.