Insight from those who work at family-owned/local cafes?

Ive worked around coffee for about 8 years (lead barista, trainer, cafe manager), I also have a degree in hospitality management but this is my first experience working at a local family-owned shop. They have a few locations in the area, been around 10+ years and they roast really awesome stuff. I’ve enjoyed my time with them so far and the job is easy, but the pay is awful! They advertise $18/hr but the base rate is $12 plus tips (which working overseas for some time, this was confusing to me). My location has average traffic but I barely make $15 with my tips factored in. I’ve spoken with the owner about it bc I thought it was a mistake and they mentioned something about taxes and they’re not able to pay higher bc they’re small business. I’ve come from larger businesses so I understand where I need to manage my expectations when it comes to pay but I suppose my philosophy of don’t open a business if you can’t pay your staff a livable wage isnt universal lol.

We’re also expected to attend mandatory weekly and monthly meetings after closing - they’re paid but so inconvenient if you’re an opener. Admin changes are a little chaotic and disorganized (new specials come at random, menus aren’t updated with correct pricing). We’re also are asked for ideas for new drink specials, merch, etc. i don’t know if it’s my background in bigger businesses, but I feel like that is a job for marketing maybe? It isn’t only a barista role, you’re on register, you prep food, you cook, you make syrups - which I actually like bc there’s always something to do…it’s the pay that’s starting to wear me down.

Overall, It doesn’t seem like it’s enough for what the job requires; however, I don’t have anything to compare it to since I’ve been working overseas.

For those who also work with small business or family owned shops in the US, is this experience normal? I really pride myself on my hospitality, passion for coffee and would love to continue working with local businesses if I can but maybe wanting fair pay is pipe dream.