The extended federal unemployment benefits work out to about $7.50 an hour for a 40 hour week. If an employer is still trying to pay less than minimum wage because of the ‘server exemption’, basic economics would indicate that most people aren’t going to jump at a $5.63 an hour (FL minimum wage for tipped employees) and less than 40 hours per week.

Let’s face it, restaurants are competing with a lot of jobs that pay a lot more with less exposure to the public. Plus, the tips have been so poor due to the pandemic. You simply can’t afford to live on ‘server wages’.

Restaurants are in a squeeze but they are going to have to stop paying below minimum wage and expecting the customers to subsidize via tips.