From what I understand, most below min wage Jobe have to pay the employee at least min wage including their tips. If they have a bad weak tip wise they still get min wage. But usually they make the $2 an hour and tips make them well above min wage.

In addition, if you are working at a nice resturant, you can make $20+ per table in tips. I roomed with someone who brought home 200+ per night working at a nice steakhouse on the lake. If you are a fluff to waiter and work at Applebee's your whole life, you are going to stay in that min wage area. Apply yourself and you make more money. Isn't that weird?