A new trend is emerging in Brooklyn's coffee scene as several shops abandon the tipping model. This shift aims to ensure fair wages for workers while enhancing customer experience. Owners believe that relying on tips allows businesses to underpay staff, which does not align with their values of community support and fair compensation.
• Cleo's Yarn and Coffee Shop has seen stable sales since going tip-free, emphasizing the responsibility of businesses to pay workers a living wage.
• Passionfruit Coffee has integrated tips into prices, leading to consistent pay for employees and the ability to hire more staff.
• Customers appreciate knowing their money supports fair wages, reducing the awkwardness of tipping.
• Shops like Til Death Coffee report positive customer feedback, reinforcing their commitment to worker welfare.
This trend matters because it challenges traditional tipping norms and promotes a fairer, more sustainable model for the service industry. It encourages other businesses to rethink their compensation strategies and prioritize worker well-being.
Enjoying the read? Subscribe for free to one of the fastest-growing newsletters and get weekly coffee news (TL;DR updates) delivered right to your inbox.