The Haymarket Cafe was opened in November 1991 by two brothers, David and Peter Simpson.

The cafe is named in honor of Haymarket Square in Chicago where, in 1886, working men and women took to the streets on behalf of workers’ rights, including the 8 hour work day. The “Haymarket affair” is generally considered significant as the origin of international May Day. 

It is with these hopes and ideals that have guided us in creating what the cafe has become today.

In November of 2016 the Haymarket joined the $15/hour campaign. 

At the Cafe service is included in the prices, so there is no need to leave a tip.

With this change we are strengthening a culture that values all work, by paying our employees a living wage instead of relying on our customers to tip. We believe wages should be the responsibility of employers. We believe that the staff’s income should be consistent and guaranteed, as it is in most other industries.

The  employees at the Haymarket are motivated to do a good job because they take pride in their work. Eliminating tips has allowed us to increase all wages at the cafe and erase the income disparity between the kitchen and the front of the house.

In Massachusetts the minimum wage is $11/hr. At the Haymarket, all employees are paid a minimum of $16.00/hr. We value your support and look forward to seeing you again soon.