On January 1st 2025 we will be moving to a service fee model and will no longer accept gratuity.

We will charge a 20% service fee for all items made by Keeper, not including any retail items or packaged coffee.

This means any beverage or pastry ordered will have a 20% service fee included.

A Deeper Explanation

Tipping has created an imbalance in our pay structure that favors only certain members of our team. Legally those tips can not be shared with all team members and up until more recent years back of house staff and support staff, like bussers, were not able to receive tips. Owners can not and should not ever benefit from tipping or service fees. 

This also creates inconsistency in pay for our employees. In January and February we historically see a 30% decrease in sales and their wages are very negatively affected. By creating a service fee we can promise regular hourly wages that are not affected by the ebb and flow of the seasons. 

After more than 20 years in the industry I, Britt, am taking a very confident move away from this model and hope to be a leader in the community for the better of the service industry.

Some reasons below:

• Sustainable and consistent wages for all staff
• Equitable pay for all of our front of house and back of house staff
• More benefits for employees - better health, wellness, and retirement benefits

Who does this benefit? All staff, salaried and hourly, including support staff

Who does this not benefit? Britt. I am committed to transparency, generosity, and sustainability for industry wages. I will not and have never benefited from tips or from our soon to be service fee. My salary will remain the same.

Why don’t we put the fee into the price of our items? I believe that in moving away from tips it will be an easier transition for customers to visually see it on the screen instead of having each item jump by 20% overnight. We will eventually include this fee into the price of our items. 

I am sorry for any disruption this is to your regular routine. I am always available for questions and would ask that you communicate with me, Britt, about any hesitations or questions you may have. 

Thank you for always supporting us as we grow and learn how to be better leaders in the industry!

With love and care, Britt