"As of January 1, the restaurant Banter became employee-owned, a rare move in New York City, though one that is gaining steam. 'There was an initial grant given of 10 percent of the business to employee-owners. As the business grows, that revenue is used now to make the business more employee-owned,' a representative tells Eater, adding that it claims to be at no cost to employees. The owners wished to retire, and 'ensure their employees were taken care of and that the business would never close its doors,' per a representative." - Emma Orlow