[wdst1]

Why don’t you try living on the current minimum wage, which in Florida is currently $8.56/ hr. only then you can talk about $3 donuts.

[jammendolia]

I am from Taxachusett. High school kids and unskilled labor is not worth $15 an hour.

[Nucky]

Originally Posted by jbrown132

Here is my question. It is clear that the cost of food in restaurants will go up. If a waiter is now making $15.00 an hour do I still tip 20%. Say you and your wife go to dinner an the tab is $50.00. At 20% the tip would be $7.50 making their wage $22.50 and that assumes you are there for the entire hour. This intuitively seems highly to me an I believe will hurt these establishments. Maybe I’m wrong.

The tip would still be 20% in our world. I wouldn't judge you if you tip more or less.

[Marty94]

Changes to minimum wage affects not only small business that must absorb or pass on these costs, but will require the federal government to change its pay scale as well. At $15/hr, minimum wage will be significantly greater than an enlisted member of our armed forces and competitive with civil service positions requiring degrees. To put this into context, my son, a mechanical engineer, with an education cost over $300k, was hired by the Dept of the Army three years ago. His designs can be seen in many industries today. His starting salary wasn’t much higher than this approved minimum wage. The government will have a hard time finding college educated students with bright minds that will be willing to accept these positions. Adjustments will have to be made to remain competitive and that cost will be passed on to all taxpayers.

[DIver0258]

I feel many are missing the bigger picture. Many restaurants have already laid the groundwork, by installing kiosks and online ordering apps. There will be signficant loss of jobs in this sector. Many small business will be forced to close, I know we ran a small business for many years. Our folks were paid between $8.00 starting out capping at $12.50. At a $15.00 starting point we could not have remained in business. There would be no profit at the end of the week. Raise prices you say, many customers quit or pushed back when we mentioned having to raise prices due to higher operating costs. I agree everyone deserves to make a decent wage. Entry level positions do not mandate $15.00. These positions are stepping stones to a better position, more skilled, with a higher wage. I am just speaking from the small guys perspective. Many don't realize the cost involved in operating a small business.

[KRM0614]

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby

They already overcharge you for a donut here at Dunkin Donuts anyway. It's cheaper up north, where minimum wage is higher. Don't blame costs on minimum wage. Blame it on greedy companies that know they can get whatever they charge you, because you're willing to pay it.

Thank you so much ! That’s exactly right it’s not the wages paid it’s the profits kept ! Almost every state has higher minimum wages and their prices are less. Look how expensive Public is ! Kroger’s would mop the floor here!

This is a unique environment also as all the local business pay much higher rent and royalties to the Morse family/ Villages. Some how they’ve managed to price gouge. As the place gets larger non of the operating costs go down in fact the amenity bill is now around 210-230 a month.

[KRM0614]

Originally Posted by Art cov

If one is worth $15 or $20 an hour, most businesses would gladly pay the wage if a person is worth it. A good worker is hard to find. Hard to find those who will show up and hustle. I would much rather pay $15 or $20 then $10. Try hiring 10 people and see how long they will last. The fact is those that are not worth $15 an hour will be out of a job. I have paid employees $20 an hour, but those folks would do 3 times as much work in a week then the lazy ones. The market will pay what a person is worth and if they think that they should be paid more then go find that job. Employers are tired of lazy people who can’t get on the job, or full of drama, and find every excuse to not work. Pay them what their worth and if their not worth it, let them go.

Boom ! Exactly thank you

[Bob.Betty]

Since when was fastfood work supposed to be a career?

[Tennisnut]

This is a statement regarding our economy. Our economy can not provide for support for everyone to have healthcare, our small businesses can not survive without paying a very low minimum wages without their employees receiving government subsidies such as the SNAP benefits. This economy is based on the sacrifices of these workers.

[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by jbrown132

Here is my question. It is clear that the cost of food in restaurants will go up. If a waiter is now making $15.00 an hour do I still tip 20%. Say you and your wife go to dinner an the tab is $50.00. At 20% the tip would be $7.50 making their wage $22.50 and that assumes you are there for the entire hour. This intuitively seems highly to me an I believe will hurt these establishments. Maybe I’m wrong.

If servers made salary of $ 15 one should reevaluate tip levels. No idea to what at the moment but a lesser percentage would probably make sense.

[KRM0614]

Originally Posted by pvetrano1

R u nuts ? I live in NJ and I can tell you , nothing is more expensive in Florida !

That depends where you are in NJ! Northern jersey is higher than central or south but not the shore !
Many things here are taxed locally and multiple. Property taxes for my house are very high as is most everything and I came from MI a upper middle class area.

[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by Bob.Betty

Since when was fastfood work supposed to be a career?

Well said. People seem to forget that many entry level positions are just that and not a career.

Why would anyone be satisfied with a career flipping burgers.

Great to do that starting out but gain experience and look to move to something that pays better and gives more job satisfaction.

[sloanst]

Minimum wage was never meant to support a family. It's a stepping stone so people can get work experience while they are getting an education. Flipping burgers and stocking shelves is not a career.

[Dana1963]

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC

If servers made salary of $ 15 one should reevaluate tip levels. No idea to what at the moment but a lesser percentage would probably make sense.

A good waitress/waiter may take care of 5 tables an hour for a couple the meal + drinks maybe as little as $50.00 per couple $250.00 @ 15% gratuity = $37.50 hourly. Even if only 2 tables an hour $100 bill @ 15% = $15 hourly. Not to shaby
Actually they might refresh your beverage take your order deliver your meal then check about 15 minutes work

[Going My Way]

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC

If servers made salary of $ 15 one should reevaluate tip levels. No idea to what at the moment but a lesser percentage would probably make sense.

I agree with you!
Tips are for those that work for tips..
A worker making $15 an hour comes to over $31K a year, that equal to a union 4th year electrical apprentice who are NOT allowed to accept tips..
A Bar-Owner works a shift behind the bar at his own establishment would you tip him?