"Have been to Jim’s each month since March. Food is good. Inside dining can be a bit noisy. I was hosting dinner this time for a remembrance and May birthday. We arrived on time and were quickly seated. Service was good. What was bothersome was the surprise credit card swipe surcharge which is not noted on website or menu. While the 3.5% cost was not excessive it was a surprise. I mentioned it to our server. He said oh we have been doing that since last year and it is “clearly” noted on window as you enter. When we exited, it is on a glass pane but when the entry door is open it covers the sign. Swipe fees typically range from 1.5 percent to 3 percent, but should not exceed 4 percent. In order to surcharge customers for credit card swipe fees, businesses have to make adequate disclosures. There should be notices at entrance and point of sale, advising customers about their credit card surcharge policy. I did not see it on website and since the entry door covers the post, I was not aware of this. Being told it is “clearly posted” is in fact not true. While there are several recourses on the surcharge, such as putting in a complaint with relevant authorities, state’s attorney general or department of consumer protection and or file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau the effort is not worth the reward. Rather next month and in my future Peoria dinings we will enjoy other dining spots such as Ador, Thyme Kitchen, Saffron Social, or 2 Chez to name a few. Never will I return to Jim’s Bistro."
