Tip pooling/sharing is different in a few significant ways, though.
First, restaurant staff always know ahead of time if they have to share tips.
And their hourly compensation, as ridiculously low as it may be, is never adjusted to compensate for higher than normal tips.
And, finally, in most restaurants the tip pool is also split up with bussers, bartenders, and hosts who don't always make tips of their own, but still contribute to the overall experience.
First, restaurant staff always know ahead of time if they have to share tips.
And their hourly compensation, as ridiculously low as it may be, is never adjusted to compensate for higher than normal tips.
And, finally, in most restaurants the tip pool is also split up with bussers, bartenders, and hosts who don't always make tips of their own, but still contribute to the overall experience.