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The Owners of a Popular Dupont Sub Shop Comment on Workers’ Demand for More Pay | Eater DC

"Located at 2029 P Street NW in Dupont Circle, this old‑school deli that opened during the pandemic and was founded by Coconut Club alums Pete Sitcov and Emily Cipes operates with a small staff and recently won the Rammy for the DMV’s hottest sandwich shop — a success employees intentionally highlighted by staging a July 15 daytime walkout demanding union recognition and higher pay. Staff say most of the roughly 10 employees currently make about $17 an hour (D.C.’s minimum wage as of July 1) and petitioned to raise wages to $21; management had previously offered only about a 25‑cent increase, prompting three on‑duty workers to walk out and join a picket line with colleagues and community supporters. Employees point out that current pay amounts to roughly one Compliments Only sub an hour despite average sales of about 40 sandwiches per hour. Ten‑inch subs range from $11 (Farmers Market After Dark) to $18 (meatball and melted mozzarella), and the Teamster Italian — a day‑one bestseller priced at $15.50 — includes ham, capicola, Genoa salami, hot and sweet peppers, onions, oil and vinegar, and shredded lettuce. Management issued a statement saying the business has been committed since its 2020 beginnings to providing compensation and benefits consistent with industry standards and to fostering a rewarding work environment, while UFCW400 said it was disappointed owners refused to meet workers’ demands; sandwich slinger Jessica Fox said, “Now it’s time for management to step up and make sure we succeed too.” Employees have signaled they could take additional actions if necessary, though the union expressed hope a good outcome can be achieved." - Tierney Plumb