Service fee model

Integrity and compassion are core values of Salt & Time. Just as we stand behind our products and invest in our community, we believe in nurturing a supportive and compassionate work environment for our employees. For that reason, we have a service fee model that allows us to guarantee every employee a minimum wage of $15 ($20 for service staff), as well as provide Paid Time Off, Health Insurance and Mental Health Care Benefits. 100% of the service fee goes to employee wages and benefits for the restaurant staff. Our goal is to ensure that all employees earn an equitable and consistent wage.

Historically, most restaurants have paid tipped employees only $2.13 an hour, with the rest of their earnings coming exclusively from tips, providing them with little to no security. At the same time, their earning potential greatly exceeds that of kitchen employees who do not benefit from tips. Under our service fee model, we are able to guarantee all employees a much higher base wage and provide benefits.

We use a service fee instead of simply raising prices because it is the most efficient way to benefit our employees. Service fees are not subject to sales taxes, alcohol taxes or percentage rent, allowing 100% of every dollar in service fees to go straight to employee pay and benefits. Under this system, tips still make up an important, but much smaller percentage, of our employees’ earnings. As always, tips are discretionary and welcomed for exceptional service.