Living Wage, Pricing & Why It’s Worth It
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We believe good hospitality should be economically honest — for guests and for the people doing the work.
That’s why necessary & sufficient coffee® - Printers Row uses a living wage + auto‑gratuity model, instead of relying on traditional tipping.
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Short answer: No.
Our menu prices are in line with — and often lower than — comparable specialty cafés in Chicago.
What can feel different is the auto‑gratuity, which makes the full cost of service visible upfront rather than hidden or optional at checkout.
In other words: we show the real price instead of asking guests to do the math.
What we serve is Specialty coffee, which is something different. It starts high in the mountains—literally—with beans grown at higher altitudes (often above 1500 meters), where slower growth produces more complex, expressive flavors. From there, farmers and producers take great care at every step, by hand—harvesting, sorting, fermenting, and drying—to preserve that quality all the way to the cup.
The result? A coffee that actually tastes as good as it smells. Clean, sweet, vibrant—without the bitterness that usually needs to be masked by cream or sugar.
This is about what delivers more: to your palate, to the planet, and to the people behind every step.
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Auto‑gratuity allows us to:
Pay more stable, predictable wages
Reduce reliance on variable tips
Support full teams, not just front‑facing roles
Build schedules that don’t burn people out
Maintain quality without cutting corners
This model prioritizes consistency, equity, and sustainability — not just speed or volume.
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Every purchase helps fund:
Living‑wage hourly pay
Paid sick time and PTO
Training and skill development
Zero‑waste systems and composting
Local sourcing and long‑term vendor relationships
A workplace built for longevity, not churn
We’re selective about where money goes — and transparent about why.
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When we talk about sustainability, we mean three things:
Ecological
Verified zero‑waste operations
Composting, recycling, and waste audits
Reusable and compostable service ware
Partnerships focused on environmental accountability
Economic
Living wages instead of tip dependency
Transparent pricing
Long‑term viability for a small, independent business
Social
Clear workplace standards
Respectful, professional environments
Community partnerships and mutual aid
These systems take work — and they cost money — but they’re the reason we’re still here.
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You’re not just buying coffee.
You’re supporting:
Thoughtful, skilled labor
A calm, respectful guest experience
Food and drink made carefully, not rushed
A business that plans to be here for the long haul
We think that’s worth being upfront about.
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This is one of the biggest and most valid questions we hear. Here’s the truth: we’re a small, independently owned café operating in an economy where profit margins are razor thin. Most people assume owners are doing fine—but like many small business owners, we’re not insulated from the same economic pressures our customers feel. We also face higher costs because of our sustainability standards (more on that on our Sustainability page linked via the footer).
So why the tip model? Because it’s a tool we can use now to ensure pay equity and transparency, while still keeping our base prices as accessible as possible. Every dollar of the automatic tip goes directly to our team. If tips fall short, we make up the difference—guaranteed.
This isn’t about shifting burden—it’s about sharing responsibility for a system we all want to be better.
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It’s fair to ask. We chose an automatic tip model because, legally in Illinois, tips belong solely to employees—unlike service charges, which businesses can retain. Calling it a tip ensures your money goes directly to the people serving you.
That said, we understand it feels different from a traditional tip, where you decide how much to give. This is about making that contribution consistent, fair, and part of a livable wage system. We’re trying to change how tipping works—not eliminate your choice, but make it more equitable by default.
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A living wage is the minimum income needed for someone to meet basic needs—rent, food, transportation, and healthcare—without relying on public assistance or working multiple jobs. In Cook County, that number is currently $27.30/hour, according to Living Wage for US. (soon to be $30.10 according to economists)
We are certified by Living Wage for US, which means we are audited annually to ensure all team members—through a combination of base pay, benefits, and tips—earn at least that amount. If tips fall short, we pay the difference. No exceptions. No fine print.
This isn’t charity—it’s a baseline for dignity.
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We get it. Many of us on staff are also navigating rising rents, debt, and inflation. Supporting local should never be all-or-nothing. Here are some ways to make it work:
Bring your own cup – Get 50¢ off every drink
Pay it forward – Ask about our community-supported tab
Tell a friend about us
Leave a positive google review
Just say hi – Even if you’re not buying today, you’re part of our community
Share you thoughts with us on the form below.
Come see us before 8 am M-F for a 20% discount on brewed coffee.
We believe no one should feel shame for spending less—or pride for spending more. Everyone’s welcome here.
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Visit our Sustainability page to read about our zero‑waste audits, certifications, and community partnerships — including our ongoing collaboration with The Center on Halsted through our sneaker‑reuse initiative.
Want to work with us? Visit our Careers page linked via the footer.
If you ever have questions, we’re happy to answer them. Transparency is part of the work.
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We know this model is different. That’s the point. We’re not trying to guilt you—we’re trying to be honest about what it takes to build a better kind of business, one cup of coffee at a time.
Thanks for being part of it.