A restaurant in San Francisco has brought in a no-tipping policy and decided instead to make sure all workers are paid a living wage.
The restaurant industry in the United States is notoriously difficult for workers and known to pay poor wages. As a result, servers and other restaurant workers are required to make money from tips in order to top up their low pay packets.
The owners of Zazie, a popular eatery, instead introduced a tip-free service and increased the prices on their menus by 25% to cover new wages costs. They say that not only has the public response been good, but that the number of customers has actually increased.
Zazie owner, Jennifer Piallat, told SF Eater:
"So far we haven't had any complaints. In fact, one customer said she expected sticker shock, but that the menu still looks reasonable."
What's more, Zazie is actually introducing a scheme that will share profits between the workers themselves. Included in the new workers package is a living wage of $15-$20 per hour, paid sick leave, funded health & dental, and a 401k retirement package.
Piallat addressed criticism saying that customers could move away from the restaurant, saying:
"Maybe they're the kind of people who wouldn't have tipped 20 percent in the first place. Or maybe they're just not doing the math. But hey, if that means the brunch wait on the weekends goes down to 45 minutes instead of an hour and a half, that's okay with me."
Since the new reforms have been in place customer numbers have shot up 28%.
Zazie is currently closed for repairs over winter and to give their staff a well-earned break but hopes that as we move into 2022 and the pandemic ebbs away, they will return to business and that their new model may be adopted by other restaurants. They said in a post:
"To everyone who loves Zazie, we love you too…. Now here's to a better year, come on 2022! After the craziest of years our industry has ever seen, we're going to close for our usual Winter break to give our hard working and loyal staff a much needed rest, and our little Z a touch up. Some paint is chipping and our patio awning has been well worn, so we'll be repairing and replacing some things in the weeks to come. We'll keep you posted and stay safe, healthy and happy!"
[Based on reporting by: Upworthy]
COMMENTS