If they're virtue signaling, they should try to do a better job of it. Pissing people off is generally not an effective way of convincing them of the virtue of anything. Just raise the prices and pay the employees better (like you said). Put a note on the menu that says "our prices are higher than our competition because we pay our employees well; the only thing we will add to your check is sales tax; tipping is completely optional; feel free to leave a little something extra if you think your service was exceptional, but please don't fee obligated."You got charged some virtue-signaling fees