FUN FACT: One of North America’s first vineyards was established in Detroit in 1702.
Hey, it’s JB!
I attended a community conversation this week in Eastern Market on the Michigan Supreme Court’s decision to phase out tipped wages and raise the minimum wage, and how it affects small businesses and restaurants.
The panel, hosted by In the Business of Food, featured Sandy Levine, owner of Detroit’s Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails, Freya, and Dragonfly; Rohani Foulkes, owner of Folk Detroit; and Chris White, director of Restaurant Opportunities Centers for Michigan, a plaintiff in the case.
Takeaways:
- Tipping began in the United States in the 1800s as a way for employers to pay formerly enslaved people and immigrants low wages.
- Tipped employees, like servers and bartenders, in Michigan make $3.93 per hour, which would increase to approximately $6 an hour under the ruling, and add paid sick days.
- Seven states already prohibit restaurants from the “tip credit” which allows restaurant owners in states like Michigan to pay less than the minimum wage and rely on tips to pay their employees the full minimum wage.
- The state is asking for more details from the Michigan Supreme Court by Sept. 15 before proceeding with implementation of the new rules.
Nicole Hocevar, a server at Levine’s Chartreuse, and past human resources manager in the hospitality industry, attended Monday’s conversation.
“The biggest victory, especially for restaurant workers, is now we have the sick time benefit, whether you’re full-time or part-time,” she said about the ruling.
To learn more, check out coverage from my colleagues at Bridge Michigan and the Detroit Free Press.
Dig In,
JB
- The Black Food & Wine Experience kicks off today in Detroit with a mixer at the Book Tower.
- The Detroit Food Policy Council’s annual food summit is happening September 26-27.
- Learn how to pressure can with Keep Growing Detroit this Saturday.
A schedule of pop-ups for the week
Thurs., Sept. 12:
Pink Flamingo, 2746 Vermont St. 6-10 p.m.
Der Wurstwagen at Brewery Faisan, 1087 Beaufait St. 6-9 p.m.
Ayiti Spaghetti at Two Birds, 8130 Kercheval.
Fri., Sept. 13:
Food Truck Fridays at E. Warren Farmers Market, 16835 E. Warren. Noon to 8 p.m.
Randos Sandos at Brewery Faisan, 1087 Beaufait St. 5-8 p.m.
Insatiable Vegan at Two Birds, 8130 Kercheval.
Sat., Sept. 14:
Gajiza Dumplings, Insatiable Vegan, Kohi Coffee Please at Two Birds, 8130 Kercheval.
Food trucks at E. Warrenfest, 16835 E. Warren. 4-9 p.m.
Sun., Sept. 15:
The Egg Hunt at Two Birds, 8130 Kercheval. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Marksie’s Cooking at Red Hook, 2761 E. Jefferson. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Mon., Sept. 16:
Kusina at Motor City Wine, 1949 Michigan Ave.
Tues., Sept 17:
Martes Market at The Congregation, 9321 Rosa Parks Blvd. 4-8 p.m.
Wed., Sept 18:
Nepantla at Brewery Faisan, 1087 Beaufait St. 5-9 p.m.
- Warda Patisserie is hiring part-time and full-time bakers.
- Meijer’s Rivertown Market is hiring for multiple positions.
- Kitab Cafe is hiring a barista and sandwich maker.
