(Image:Fuel Coffee)

A Capitol Hill coffee shop could be part of a new trend in Seattle food and drink.

The Fuel Coffee chain has announced it is re-instituting tipping at its three Seattle cafes as it tries to balance reasonable latte prices with fair compensation for its employees.

Ownership says it has been tip-free since 2020 when it instituted service charges but is bringing the practice back as they cut wages to Seattle’s upcoming $21.30 an hour minimum to counteract the soaring price of coffee beans. CORRECTION: CHS didn’t get this right. Fuel adjusted its prices in 2020 but did not institute a service charge. Sorry for the error.

“Based on our own research, along with customer and employee feedback, we’ve come to the conclusion that we would not be able to raise prices to the necessary degree needed to cover cost increases, pay our baristas a competitive wage, and still remain a viable option in the community,” Fuel said in its announcement.

Fuel says it is making the switch in a way it hopes will protect its employees, guaranteeing “that all team members will earn at least their current wages through the end of November–and if they don’t we will make up the difference.” Continue reading →