Read previewThe owner of a restaurant in California says he'll "absolutely" have to raise his wages to compete with local fast-food chains now that they're paying workers $20 an hour.
"It's already hard to find dishwashers, which is a horrible job for minimum wage," Vitalie continued.
Restaurant margins 'are so small to begin with'The new minimum wage compounds what Vitalie described as years of difficulties for independent restaurants in California.
"And with the rise of inflation with food costs and labor costs, it's getting really, really bad."
South San Francisco has put up its minimum wage annually since 2020, and it reached $17.25 an hour in January.
Persons:
—, Sal Vitalie, Vitalie, it's, he'd, I've
Organizations:
Service, Business, Garden Club, South San
Locations:
California, South San Francisco, San Mateo County