Posted on 05/05/2024 4:45:11 PM PDT by big bad easter bunny
As a seasoned restaurant consultant deeply entrenched in the industry, I've got my finger on the pulse of what's happening.
Running a restaurant has always been a tough gig. Everyone seems to think their family recipe will turn into a gold mine, but sadly, it's not just about the quality of Grandma's lasagna. There are myriad challenges to navigate in this business.
From securing the right location and talent to nailing down a winning concept, dealing with everything from theft to insurance, not to mention the endless stream of fees, licenses, and paperwork, the restaurant industry can nickel and dime you into the ground.
Now, the powers that be in California have decided to hike the minimum wage for fast-food joints up to $20 an hour. Needless to say, this isn't sitting well with owners, especially franchisees who are already drowning in fees and inflated prices from the parent company.
With such high labor costs, the days of hiring inexperienced kids for minimum wage are numbered. It's more cost-effective to pay someone more for better efficiency. And with franchises increasingly turning to apps and unmanned kiosks to cut costs, the rise of the robots in simpler tasks is imminent.
But let's not forget the joy of dining out and the importance of supporting these businesses that enrich our lives. Governments, from D.C. down to local townships, should be doing more to support struggling restaurants.
Local governments could ease the burden by reducing the exorbitant fees and taxes that restaurants face before they even open their doors. And why should the IRS be taxing tips, which are often a lifeline for single moms and college students?
And as if things weren't tough enough, the federal government is even considering banning gas stoves in restaurants. This move is not just frustrating, it's downright infuriating. Gas stoves are essential for cooking, providing instant heat control crucial for preparing food efficiently. Plus, let's be real, natural gas is the most economical way to cook up culinary delights. Anyone who disagrees should stick to salads when dining out.
Unless, of course, you're a connected Democrat. Then, the cops won't be looking to shake you down for the old DUI cashola.
When politicians screw up they should have to pay the price not get a free ride for their incompetence
I disagree with the ‘great intentions’ part.
It has all the fingerprints of a marxist radical assault on business.
Being a waiter can pay as much as a professional, if they are good at their job. Those advocating for set wages don’t want waiters to earn as much as they. That’s what it comes down to.
That is probably partly true (the deliberate assault part), but I think a large portion of it is sheer ignorance of economics and a lack of understanding of a linkage between cause and effect. In California, our state government has many, many that are of this ilk, from the governor on down!
Golden Corral buffet has been a favorite for a lot of people but a lot of them are closing down for multiple reasons.
A lot of people poo poo their food but for the price and selection, I’ve found it to be fresh, hot, and nutritious when picking and choosing correctly.
Since I eat alone a lot of the time I like being able to just go get what I want and as much of any given item I want instead of waiting a considerable amount of time for it to be ready.
While I leave a tip, it isn’t much because I’m doing most the work. Now that people are making $20 an hour in CA restaurants, tipping should be abolished.
The author is obviously ignorant of induction cooktops.
The instant control is as good as or better than gas.
Less heat for the cooks to endure.
They are safer than gas.
We've had one for over 10 years and no way we would go back to old fashioned electric resistance or gas cooking.
For restaurant cooking gas is the most efficient-consistent heat.
You can’t cook on an electric stove if the power goes off.
Never forget what they took from us. pic.twitter.com/1ZrAHNK9iW— Declaration of Memes (@LibertyCappy) May 5, 2024
Do beat up pots and pans do well an induction stove?
Why aren't tips considered gifts from the patrons to the servers?
As gifts, they'd certainly fall below the lifetime cap on gifts given for most diners.
-PJ
No soup for you!
I don’t even buy the *good intentions* part.
I don’t think anything the government does is because of *good intentions*.
It’s been very effective at driving small businesses out of business so the corporations can own it all.
Condition doesn't matter. What they are made out of does.
Cast iron works great.
Aluminum doesn't.
There has to be at least a layer of ferrous metal in a pot and pan to become part of the inductive circuit to heat.
In the article the real reason for the change came sneaking out. The owner complained that with tips the waiters were making more then she was and that was just not fair!
Needless to say the good wait staff quit to work some place where they could get those nice tips again.
I suppose if you are just heating up a can of soup it might be ok.
Gas is the best way to go if you really are cooking.
She was an idiot. The good staff keep you in business. She could have waited some tables and gotten some tips for herself.
Good customer service will keep people coming back even if your food is just average.
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