The first big hit to the San Francisco restaurant industry came three years ago this month -- a $1.75-an-hour increase in the minimum wage.A high cost city means declining jobs and population.Not everyone can live off a trust fund.
The second came last Monday when the city became the first in the country to require all businesses to provide paid sick leave to their employees.
The third is due in July when the city's plan to require health coverage for uninsured residents kicks in -- assuming the employer mandate portion of the ordinance survives a legal challenge by restaurant owners.
A word to diners: Budget accordingly.
"We think it will cost us $180,000 to $200,000 a year for just those three increases,'' said Dave Stanton, managing partner of Tres Agaves, the Mexican restaurant near AT&T Park that opened to rave reviews in October. "I'm going to have to raise prices for all my drinks and appetizers a dollar and entrees two dollars. I don't know how else to do it.''
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Restaurant owners stew over new rules
The San Francisco Chronicle reports:
