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Finding a new model for compensation: Jesse Cool reboots with shift to service charge to pay Heart of HouseFinding a new model for compensation: Jesse Cool reboots with shift to service charge to pay Heart of House

Danny Meyer points to Cool's plan an example for a more equitable system

Lisa Jennings, Executive Editor

July 21, 2020

6 Min Read
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When Danny Meyer explained on LinkedIn why his Union Square Hospitality Group decided to return to tipping, he pointed to California chef and restaurateur Jesse Cool as offering a model for doing it right.

Meyer argues that the problem is not tipping, but the state and federal laws that restrict how gratuities can be shared among all the workers that create the restaurant experience. In New York, and many other parts of the country, tips are limited to those on the service staff, and back-of-the-house workers are excluded.

USHG’s Hospitality Included policy attempted to address the pay disparities that system creates, but the pandemic-related closures have forced Meyer to reset. Though his restaurants will return to tipping, Meyer hopes to...

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About the Author

Lisa Jennings

Executive Editor, Nation's Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality

Lisa Jennings is executive editor of Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality. She joined the NRN staff as West Coast editor in 2004 as a veteran journalist. Before joining NRN, she spent 11 years at The Commercial Appeal, the daily newspaper in Memphis, Tenn., most recently as editor of the Food and Health & Wellness sections. Prior experience includes staff reporting for the Washington Business Journal and United Press International.

Lisa’s areas of expertise include coverage of both large public restaurant chains and small independents, the regulatory and legal landscapes impacting the industry overall, as well as helping operators find solutions to run their business better.

Lisa Jennings’ experience:

Executive editor, NRN (March 2020 to present)

Executive editor, Restaurant Hospitality (January 2018 to present)

Senior editor, NRN (September 2004 to March 2020)

Reporter/editor, The Commercial Appeal (1990-2001)

Reporter, Washington Business Journal (1985-1987)

Contact Lisa Jennings at:

[email protected]

@livetodineout

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-jennings-83202510/

 

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