Celebrities Serve Up Support for Restaurant Workers in New York City

New York City saw an unusual display of solidarity yesterday as celebrities traded red carpets for restaurant service at the “Server for an Hour” event, raising awareness for fair wages in the hospitality industry.

Hosted by Chrissy Teigen, the event drew Orlando Bloom, Sophia Bush, Dorinda Medley, Heidi Gardner, Ciara Miller, Jesel Taank, and Gayle King, all of whom worked alongside restaurant staff, serving food and drinks to guests. Teigen, a former server herself, emphasized the importance of recognizing the contributions of service workers. “It’s always my favorite event of the year,” she said. “I think it’s really admirable that they can do this day in and day out…and know that people like us are rooting for them and cheering them on.”

The event was organized by One Fair Wage, a national organization advocating for the elimination of the subminimum wage and a guaranteed full, fair wage for all workers, with tips supplementing income rather than being essential to it. According to One Fair Wage President Saru Jayaraman, the campaign is part of a broader push for a living wage, arguing that a true minimum wage should be closer to $25-$30 per hour in major cities like New York. This comes as rising costs of living put increasing financial strain on service industry employees.

One Fair Wage has been gaining momentum across the country, partnering with both workers and restaurant owners to promote sustainable and equitable practices. The initiative highlights the often-overlooked challenges faced by millions of restaurant, bar, and café employees, and aims to foster a greater appreciation for their work. You can learn more about the impact of wage policies on the restaurant industry here.

Organizers say they plan to continue hosting “Server for an Hour” events in other cities and will continue advocating for policy changes to ensure fair compensation for service workers nationwide.