[lipnitsk]

> The tipped minimum wage is so small that it is basically zero

That depends on the state. For example, all west coast states have the same minimum wage regardless of tipped or non-tipped. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tipped_wage

> In the state of Alaska, California, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, same minimum wage are applied for both tipped and non-tipped employees. Tips collected by employees in these states will not offset employer's obligation to pay the wage, and tips is the additional income beyond the wage paid by employer.