This all-day café and bar had been open for less than a year when shutdowns hit New York City. Still, Owner Claire Sprouse saw it as an opportunity to change the new business’s model by eliminating tipping, with the end goal of having all front- and back-of house staff earning at least $20 per hour.
In lieu of indoor dining, Hunky Dory had outdoor tables with counter service, and the inside space became a bookshop and pantry that sold everything from zines to postage stamps. The patio hosted pop-ups where chefs could be paid to cook even if their own restaurants were closed. Some pop-ups were also hosted by organizations like the Street Vendor Project.