North Raleigh brewery ditching tip system for livable wage salaries

Heyday Brewing in north Raleigh opened up about eight weeks ago. General Manager Harrison Lassiter says they are trying out a new method to pay staff.

Employees here don’t get tips, instead, they make more than double the state’s minimum wage.

“A lot of excitement over the place, the community that we have here has been really excited,” Lassiter said.

One of the first things you’ll notice when you walk in is a sign that reads, "a 15% living wage service fee will be included on every check."

“This allows us to create a little bit more equity between the different positions in the restaurant,” Lassiter said.

Lassiter says employees make $15 an hour – more than double the state's minimum wage, which is $7.25 per hour.

“We were upfront when they signed up with us," he explained. "It’s a different model. A lot of restaurants in this industry, especially in Raleigh, are playing around with different models and I think everyone is trying to figure out what’s best for them right now. So far, I think our employees have been completely open to it and enjoying it."

Lassiter says they have been transparent with customers as well. He believes this method is a much better option than raising food and beverage prices.

He says the 15% is strictly used for labor.

“I think it’s very important to us that we are upfront about it and everyone knows exactly what we’re trying to do,” Lassiter said.