General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Do you think the Federal minimum wage should be $15 per hour? [View all]delete_bush
(1,712 posts)has real experience with running a small food service business. I'm sure you have loyal customers who would stay with you should you be forced to raise prices, but there are others who might go elsewhere, not come as often, etc., not to mention the increased difficulty in obtaining new customers. Starbucks and the other biggies out there can weather a storm like this, in fact it's good for them in the long run if they force more independents out of business.
And if you can't raise prices to cover the additional costs, then another option is to get rid of some of your staff or work even longer hours yourself. The good thing is that the minimum wage at the federal level will increase, but nowhere near $15. This should be a state/local issue. Too many differences in the cost of living from coastal to urban to rural etc.