'You Get what You Pay For.' Aunts et Uncles café touts higher pay for tipped workers

The husband-and-wife team say that tipped workers at their cafe and food truck, located outside of the Brooklyn Museum, make on average of $15 on hour before tips - above the NYC minimum of $11 an hour for that type of work.

Rob Flaks

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May 9, 2025, 10:56 AM

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Updated 22 days ago

Mike and Nicole Nicholas, the co-owners of Aunts et Uncles vegan cafe in Flatbush say you don't succeed by doing the minimum - or paying it.

The husband-and-wife team say that tipped workers at their cafe and food truck, located outside of the Brooklyn Museum, make on average of $15 on hour before tips - above the NYC minimum of $11 an hour for that type of work.

They tell News 12 that they were tipped workers back when the minimum was just a few dollars an hour.

When they opened their location, which is now celebrating five years in businesses, they wanted to do it differently.

"Just trying to make ends meet in this city was enough experience for me to say 'no, we want to do right by people,'" Mike Nicholas said.

"Because they make a higher income, it does attract really dedicated employee with more experience, so you know you get what you pay for," Nicole Nicholas said.

They say that extends beyond just the front of the house, as they say their kitchen staff who does get tipped still makes around $28 an hour.

Lawmakers in Albany are considering a bill this session that would eliminate the two tiers below minimum wage for tipped workers, as part of a push by the national One Fair Wage movement.

While NYC's minimum wage for tipped workers is set by council, the bill could lower the floor for all tipped workers in the state.

Worker Iyanna Marrero says the higher wages help her focus on her current shift, not picking up more to make ends meet.

"It's like a positive family environment, I feel more supported, and I actually have room to get what I need and still have money to save," she said.

Mike Nicholas tells News 12 he believes the model is not unique, nor are its benefits, including less turnover and employees more engaged with their work.

"I think if you see this move out statewide, you'll see a big positive impact for the workers, but also the restaurants. Customers service is about making people happy, so happy people are what you want working," he said.