California's $20 Fast Food Wage: A Double-Edged Sword?

California's move to set a $20 minimum wage for fast-food workers has sparked a heated debate. On one hand, workers are seeing better paychecks, but on the other, restaurant owners are feeling the pinch. The state's fast-food industry is still standing, but it's not all smooth sailing. Workers like Zane Marte have seen a real difference. Marte, who worked at Jack in the Box, saw his pay jump from $12 an hour to $20. This pay bump allowed him to support his family better. But not everyone is celebrating. Restaurant owners are struggling with higher labor costs. Kerri Harper-Howie, who runs several McDonald's locations, said her sales took a hit. She had to raise prices, but that scared away some customers. The higher wage hasn't led to a wave of restaurant closures, but it's not all good news. Some owners have had to cut back on hours or even shut down locations. Harshraj Ghai, who runs over 200 fast-food restaurants, has closed several in California. He blames the higher wages and other rising costs. Despite the challenges, California's fast-food industry is still growing. The state added nearly 2, 300 new fast-food restaurants in a year. This growth shows that the industry is resilient, even with the higher wage. The debate over California's $20 minimum wage is far from over. Workers are happier with their pay, but owners are feeling the pressure. It's a delicate balance, and only time will tell if this policy is a long-term win or a short-term gain.