Distribute the tip pool by role weight + hours worked. Method used by NYC restaurants: server keeps majority, supports (busser, runner, bar) share rest.
Tip pool total
$
Team for this shift
PER-SERVER (TOP ROLE) AVERAGE
$0
Total pool: $1,200 · 4 people
Name
Role
Hours
Take
What are standard tip-out percentages in NYC?
Common splits: Server 60-70%, Bartender 10-15%, Busser/Runner 10-15%, Barback 5%, Host 5%. The legal floor (NY law) is that tipped employees must keep at least the federal tip credit minimum; pooled tips can only be shared with other tipped roles.
Can the owner / manager take tips?
No. Under federal FLSA + NY State law, owners and managers cannot share in tip pools. This is true even if the manager performs server work occasionally.
How does hours-weighted vs role-only work?
Hours-weighted: server who worked 8 hours gets twice the share of server who worked 4 hours. Role-only: all servers split equally regardless of hours. Most NYC restaurants use hours-weighted.
How does this compare to 7shifts?
7shifts ($50/mo tip add-on) automates pulling sales + hours from your POS. This tool does the same math, manually. If you don't have $50/mo or only run shifts occasionally, free works.