Just got back from Frankie & Benny's and before the meal we spoke to the young waitress who was to serve us and asked if they pooled their tips or kept them individually. She said in other branches she had worked at the management demanded all tips were pooled, they would take 10% and the rest was shared between the table staff, regardless of who contributed/earned the most tips. Kitchen staff didn't get any. Most branches had a high turnover of 'backroom staff'.
In our branch, which is only small, there are 4 table staff at most when they are busy. The manager has said what they get is theirs and nothing to do with him so they share the tips between those who are on duty including the backroom staff, who never get tips anywhere else she has worked. We had great service, a lovely meal and left a handsome tip for them all.