A small business owner in Seattle, Washington, says he's been “crying every day” about his restaurant closing due to the state's new minimum wage hike to more than $20 an hour.
Democratic-controlled cities law Breitbart News reported that the minimum wage increase from $19.97 to $20.76 went into effect on the first day of 2025.
Because of this, Bebop Waffle Shoppe had to permanently close its doors after 10 years in business on Monday, owner Corinna Luckenbach told FOX13.
“This was my dream. I really love having my own cafe, running it the way I want, and serving people,” she said in an interview, later saying that she “cried every day” about it. he added.
Luckenbach said her breakfast restaurant, already struggling with inflation and declining customer traffic, will cost her an additional $32,000 each year with the new minimum wage requirement.
“This no longer makes financial sense,” she told a local station.
Seattle's minimum wage is $4 higher than the rest of the state and applies to both small and large businesses.
Bebop Waffles, named after the owner's dog, was a “safe space” for area residents, Luckenbach said, adding that the “hardest thing” about closing is taking that space away from people.
“I never understood the story of what it meant for people to come and feel safe and feel welcome,” she said emotionally.
The Washington Hospitality Association predicted that the number of Seattle restaurant closings will increase by 5% to 8% this year due to increased labor costs.
“It's not sustainable,” says Anthony Anton, association president and CEO. said of seattle times.
