Engage those who are servicing you and it takes away the sting of the transaction when the ride is over. The owner makes for better hospitality and should make you feel more comfortable. But that doesn't mean you need to tip any greater. By and large, you should tip based on your experience with those who are waiting on you, not on those who own the establishment. The local fruit shake place now has a tip cup, but all they are doing is filling an order, not making a special effort.
Many restaurants charge an automatic gratuity for buffet dining.
I emphatically agree with you that there is no obligation to tip in that circumstance. The thing I hate about buffets is that the carpet is usually filthy. And the judge dismissed his case. Customers should be asked ahead of time if they would agree to automatic tip included in the bill. The truth is that a lot of people are comfortable with that because it takes the burden off of them from having to calculate the amount, which is the last thing you want to do when you're eating out with a large party.