Then you've answered your own question. However, it isn't quite that simple. restaurants in particular operate on very narrow margins, and a shift in the labor rate of the low end employees (and waiting tables is NOT a skilled profession) can easily shift the whole cost structure from profitable to unprofitable. Prior to the distortions caused by a government mandated minimum wage low end employees were getting what the market determined was a fair rate for their unskilled services based on their productivity. A minimum wage boost increases the cost to the business, but does not increase the value of the employee. Therefore the business has to make up the additional cost and the only way they can do that is charge more for their product.
I’m opposed to minimum wage laws.
The free market works.
Just this morning, I passed a drive through taco stand that is hiring at $14-$16 an hour.
It’s just a taco stand, they have good service and make great tacos.